> Cutie Mark Cleansers
>  by Duke of Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Snails
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Bloom was the kind of filly who was always thinking.
This led her to have somewhat of an obsessive personality. 
At this point of time, she wanted her cutie mark more than anything else in the world.

Why didn't she have one yet?
What did it say about her?

If two semi-retarded colts, two snobby bitches, and a filly with an annoying lisp could get their cutie marks, why not her? 
The world would be so much better without such horrific beings in the world. 
Apple Bloom thought about the jealous feelings she held towards ponies which were in many ways her inferiors, all because they got their damn cutie marks. It wasn't fair. 
She was smarter than any of them. 

The world wasn't fair at all. The other fillies in her class who didn't have their cutie marks were her two best friends: Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. They were much more deserving of bright futures than the likes of Snips or Diamond Tiara. 

Apple Bloom wished she could get rid of the undesirable ponies.
But maybe, she could. Perhaps, it was her destiny to cleanse Ponyville, and perhaps all of Equestria, of the awful ponies who make everyone's life worse. Maybe that was why she didn't get her cutie mark yet... maybe.. nah... not only the ponies, there were other beings who made the world an awful place.. she thought of Rarity's pet cat.. yes, not only ponies. 

The idea brightened the young earth pony's day. She would do it. She could do it. The question though was should she do it. Murder was against the law. The law didn't differentiate between the good ponies and the bad ponies. Was the potential punishment worth it? On her crusade to make the world a better place, she could wipe herself out in the process. However, Apple Bloom was confident in her abilities. She could outwit any pony who dared to challenge her, even the good ones who weren't on her list.

What would such a cutie mark look like anyway? Something pure. Something beautiful. Yes, it was worth it. She promised to herself that she would only kill beings that most of the world would not miss. That made the list admittedly small.. but sometimes, less is more. 

Apple Bloom looked in the mirror and grinned.
She heard her older sister, Applejack, say, "Looking good, sugarcube!"

"That's sweet of you to say, Applejack", responded Apple Bloom.

"Anything special today?"

"I don't know, every day is full of surprises for me! What about you?"

"Nah, just working on the farm like usual."

"More fun than school, I bet."

"Ah wouldn't say that."

"Don't lie to me, sis."

"Ah never do that, you know that. Have a good day at school, sugarcube."

Apple Bloom trotted happily to school, keeping her head up high. Maybe today would be her first day. Maybe it wouldn't. The first kill would be the toughest. After the first one, there would be no turning back. Certainly not. 

It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining. The birds were chirping. Would today be the day Apple Bloom finally got her cutie mark? Maybe yes. Maybe no. It seemed more likely that Apple Bloom would have to take action to speed up the process.





"I was going to give y'all a nice curve on that exam", said Cheerilee, "but one of you got a 100."

"Can we not count the blank flanks", whined Diamond Tiara.

"How would it be a blank flank", asked Snips, "doesn't that mean you don't have a brain?"

"It makes a lot of sense now", snarled Diamond Tiara, "your brain is your ass.. you fucktard."

"Diamond Tiara", scolded Cheerilee, "I won't have that kind of language in my classroom. Now, I'll pass the exams back."

Without Cheerilee having to say anything, Apple Bloom knew she was the one who got the 100 on the test. It was a far too easy exam. 

Like most foals, Apple Bloom never studied for anything.. that worked to her advantage. 

Cheerliee started to hand back the exams. Apple Bloom looked to her left and right: Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. 

"I wonder who busted the curve", said Scootaloo sarcastically.

"I hope it was me", beamed Sweetie Belle, "I worked really hard."

"It's just a test", said Apple Bloom, "it doesn't mean anything."

"You always say that", pined Sweetie Belle, "because you always do so well."

"My brother is a math whiz", responded Apple Bloom, "I'm sure that helped me out somehow."

"Eeyup", said Scootaloo in a masculine voice.

The three fillies giggled. 

Cheerliee gave the CMC their exams back.

"Sweet, I got an 85", cheered Scootaloo.

"What happened? I only got an 86", whined Sweetie Belle.

"Thanks for being such a great help to my self esteem", mumbled Scootaloo.

"How much did you study", asked Sweetie Belle.

"I studied for like two minutes, I guess..", responded Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom looked at the 100 on her own test and quietly put the graded exam into her saddlebag. 

Apple Bloom then heard Cheerliee say sternly, "I'm worried about you.. you're failing the fourth grade." Apple Bloom quickly turned around and saw Cheerliee talking to Snails, the semi-retarded unicorn colt. Snails.. a lanky waste of space... the only colt who was even more of a waste was his friend Snips. Apple Bloom noticed the graded 5 on Snails' exam. Cheerilee gave every pony five points for being able to spell their name on an exam.. at least Snails could do that. But why did he have his cutie mark and she didn't? It was disgusting. Apple Bloom was years ahead of Snails in every aspect, except physically. Perhaps, she could put that retard out of his misery. He would barely notice, right?

"I feel bad for Snails", whispered Apple Bloom to her friends.

"Snails doesn't try at all", responded Sweetie Belle.

"He's a lanky waste of space", added Scootaloo.

Yes, he is, thought Apple Bloom. What pony would miss him? Except his retarded friend.. who was also on the list by the way.

"I think Snails has potential", said Apple Bloom, "maybe if I can help him understand mathematics, he could do really well."

"I doubt it", responded Scootaloo with a shrug.

"You're dreaming", added Sweeite Belle. 

"Good thing happen to those who dream big", said Apple Bloom, "look at Snails. Why, ah bet I can turn him into a professor?"

"You're nuts", said Scoootaloo with a chuckle.

"I'll offer to tutor him. Watch me."

Apple Bloom walked to the back of the classroom where Snails was staring blankly into space.

"Hi Snails", cheered Apple Bloom in a chipper tone.

"Hi.. Appl Blum", mumbled Snails. 

What a stupid dumbass.

"Ah overheard that math ain't so easy for you."

"Yes, math isn't so easy for me."

Ugh. Snails was a jackass too... he wouldn't survive a day on the farm.

"Maybe I could help you understand those numbers.. it's not so bad at all."

"Really? You would do that for me?"

"Of course. What's a friend for? Meet me at Froggy Bog Pond after school."

"Duh duh.. that's good for me.. duh."

"Great. Ah'll see you then."

Apple Bloom returned to her desk beaming. Snails was an easy target. She smiled at her two friends.

"Snails doesn't have a brain in his head", said Scootaloo, "I wouldn't get too cocky."

"Oh", said Apple Bloom quietly, "I think I will seize the day."





Apple Bloom arrived at Froggy Bog Pond. It was a dirty swamp with all kinds of dangerous monsters: including a giant four-headed hydra. Plenty of opportunity for disaster. It was foggy outside..one could barely see anything, that would work to the devious earth pony's advantage. 

Any other pony, except possibly Snips, would have thought things through and suggested a different place to meet.. but Snails was a good ol' boy and did what he was told without any sort of thought or deductive reasoning. Apple Bloom hated him. Her hatred for the lanky dummy wasn't unique to her thought.

Five minutes passed.

Ugh, groaned Apple Bloom, was Snails a no-show? Was this all for nothing?

"Duhhhhh, Apple Bloom, where is you?"

Snails..

"Ah'm over here.. follow my voice. Hmmm.. wait, don't move yet."

Apple Bloom quickly did some estimating in her head.. based on the volume of Snails' voice, she was able to determine that he was ten steps away from the edge of the swamp.  Apple Bloom had an idea.

"Hey", cheered Apple Bloom, "why don't we count to ten together?"

"Uhhhhh... okie."

"For every number we count, you take a step. No turning. Just walk straight."

"One."
"Duhhh, one."

"Two."
"Uhhhhhghh, two."

"Three."
"Tree."

"Four."
"Nyaaaaahhh, four?"

"Five."
"Five."

"Six."
"Hix."

"Seven."
"Evan."

"Eight."
"Duhhh... eight."

"Nine."
"*nigel Thornberry sound*.. nigel."

"Ten."
"Ten!"

Yes, Snails walked far enough that he was at the very edge of the swamp.. a little push and he would go in.

"Now, ah want you to think of the rabbits."

"The rabbits? What does that have to do with..."
Apple Bloom pushed Snails into the dirty water and kept him down.
At first, Snails was motionless and content. But as time went on, Snails must have realized what was happening and he started moving a little bit. But the filly held him down with a powerful sense of determination. 
After another minute or two, Snails stopped moving.. he was dead. 

She watched as his body floated away. Hopefully, some monster would eat him up. Would any pony suspect Apple Bloom of her crime? It didn't matter.. there was one thing Apple Bloom felt.. and that was good. 

How wonderful it was to get rid of such a waste of life!  Like she suspected, once she killed one, she would have to kill the others... Apple Bloom thought about her friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. They were some of the best ponies around. But would they take on the cause as eagerly as she did? Or would they turn on her? Apple Bloom thought through the pros and cons and decided it would be best to tell her friends about what she did and see how they react... neither one would turn her in, but she wanted them to join her. This is something that would be more fun with friends!

Apple Bloom skipped happily out of Froggy Bog Pond. Snails was gone. Apple Bloom wasn't powerless. 

> Angel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful day!

Apple Bloom was filled with giddy optimism. She didn't have her cutie mark yet, but she was on the road to obtaining it - for what was her true special talent. Snails might have been the first, but he certainly wouldn't be the last. 

Apple Bloom skipped happily to school and said "Good morning" to every pony she passed. 

"Good morning Pinkie Pie", chirped Apple Bloom.

"Hiya", cheered Pinkie Pie, "you look extra happy today!"

"Everything is simply beautiful, Pinkie", responded Apple Bloom, "that's why!"

"That's a good attitude to have, even the ugly can be beautiful."

The ugly be beautiful? More like, the ugly be dead.

"You're right, every pony has something special to offer. I better get to school!"

"Okie dokie lokie, hasta luego!"

Apple Bloom made it to the school. She could see Snips sitting outside looking sad. Snails wasn't there with him.
Did any pony figure out about Snails' demise yet? Apple Bloom decided to not talk to Snips and go to class.





Apple Bloom said hello to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"You seem awfully chipper", said Scootaloo to Apple Bloom.

"What's there to not be happy about?"

"Oh, you must have not heard", said Sweetie Belle.

"Woah, are you two trying to ruin my day", asked Apple Bloom jokingly. 

"Yea, totally", responded Scootaloo, "that was the plan all along."

"Class, may I please have your attention. Something quite troubling has happened."
Cheerliee.

"Most of you have probably heard by now, but Snails has gone missing. No pony has heard from him since school ended yesterday."

Good, they didn't find Snails' body yet. Like it mattered... who would suspect murder? Snails was such a dumb shit that the most likely method of death would be "careless accident". Apple Bloom groaned. In retrospect, she should have done more to stage the death as being a "careless accident", but floating away in the swamp should be enough. 

"I told you the news was going to be bad", said Sweetie Belle.

"Poor Snails", said Apple Bloom quietly, "that must be why ah didn't see him yesterday for our tutoring session."

"The tutoring session, huh", said Scootaloo with a skeptical tone. 

"Yea", responded Apple Bloom, "that tutoring session. I was gonna turn Snails into a professor. He's only missing. My dream can still be true."

"Oh, Apple Bloom", said Scootaloo, "you're always the one with the ridiculous dreams."

"I understand if any pony is too sad to be in school", said Cheerilee, "I allowed Snips to take the week off."

"Ohhhhhhh ohhhhhhhhhhhh", whined Diamond Tiara, "Iiiiiiiiiiii miiiiiiiiiiiiisssssss Snails already!!! WAAH WAAH WAAH!!!! I hope he's okay, what a gentlecolt he is!!!! WAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! WAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! WAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"

"Geez, she's faking it", whispered Apple Bloom to her friends, "how disrespectful."

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded.

"Diamond Tiara", said Cheerliee softly, "I never knew how much Snails meant to you. You can take off as much time as you want."

"Thank you, Cheerilee", said Diamond Tiara with a sniffle.

Diamond Tiara's friend, Silver Spoon [another snobby rich bitch], began to cry hysterically. 
"I hope Snails is okay", moaned Silver Spoon, "he has made such a powerful impact on my life.. oh, Cheerliee, I am torn."

Silver Spoon was obviously faking it like Diamond Tiara, thought Apple Bloom, but was the better actress of the two.

"Is everypony else okay?"

No other pony cried or moaned.

"Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon", said Cheerilee, "you both are excused."

"Oh, Cheerilee", said Silver Spoon softly, "you don't have to do that for me... poor little me."

"It is clear Snails meant a lot to you", said Cheerilee.

"Means a lot to me", said Silver Spoon, "you said he may not be dead, right?"

"I did, my mistake", said Cheerilee.

Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara left the classroom with their fake cries.

"I hope Snails is okay", said Cheerilee to the class.

Apple Bloom had to stop herself from grinning. They will soon see that their world was better without Snails.





The rest of the day was very awkward for Apple Bloom.
She wanted to tell Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle about what she did so badly. She had to let it out, but she couldn't tell it in front of the other classmates. One of them would probably call for her arrest.. or even Cheerilee, the dutiful teacher feeling an obligation to do something about Snails' murder. Cheerilee wouldn't have done it because she cared about Snails.. simply because it was what society dictated her to do. Every pony learned that every pony is special in one way or another.. but, what they didn't know was that some of those ponies could also be horrible.

School finally ended, saved by the bell.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders went to their clubhouse. The clubhouse was built in a tree on Sweet Apple Acres. It was their private place, but sometimes Applejack liked to snoop around anyway.... Apple Bloom needed to be discreet. She trusted that her friends wouldn't turn her in.. over time, they might even help Apple Bloom with her cause.

"You've been unusually quiet, Bloom", said Scootaloo, "what's going on?"

"Is it Snails", added Sweetie Belle, "do you have a crush on him?"

Ugh.. Sweetie Belle.. you can be so damn naïve at times... ugh... just the thought made Apple Bloom want to throw up.

"There's something ah been wanting to tell you both", said Apple Bloom, "but first, I would like to set this under the conditions of a Pinkie Promise."

"What's the promise", asked Scootaloo.

"That you won't tell any pony else what I'm gonna tell you."

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded and recited the Pinkie Promise, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

"Good. Okay.. so here it goes...", Apple Bloom cleared her throat. She felt the anxiety run through her veins. This could turn out real bad or it could turn out wonderfully. 

"I know what happened to Snails."

Apple Bloom could see that both of her friends looked concerned.

"I know what happened to Snails", Apple Bloom continued, "because I was responsible for his disappearance. Ah killed him. He's dead."

Sweetie Belle shrieked. Scootaloo was quiet.

"Why, Apple Bloom, why would you do such a thing", moaned Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom didn't know how to answer, but Scootaloo spoke.

"I think I understand."

"You do?", asked Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle at the same time.

"You wanted to put the retard out of his misery", said Scootaloo, "you don't think he deserved to be one of the living."

Yes.. Scootaloo was getting it. 

"That's not me personally", said Scootaloo, "but I get why you did it."

"Snails didn't choose to be retarded", said Sweetie Belle.

"Yes, he didn't", responded Apple Bloom, "but he's one of the ponies we know who has made a lot of ponies' lives worse one way or another. Remember when he and his friend Snips led that Ursa Minor into town square?"

"I think I get it", said Sweetie Belle with a surprisingly calm tone, "you think that killing some ponies will make the world a better place."

"And think about it, even though Snails' death is shocking to both of you, would either of you say that you will truly miss him, would either of you say that you truly care about him?"

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both needed about a minute to think about it and shook their heads.

Apple Bloom smiled, this was going better than she expected. 

"I made a list", chirped Apple Bloom, "I didn't write it down or anything.. but I know the ones I plan to kill."

"Holy shit", said Scootaloo, "you know... if you get caught, you're gonna be in serious trouble.. the end result won't matter to a judge and jury."

"That's a risk I'm willing to take, Scoots", responded Apple Bloom, "for now, I am judge, jury, and executioner.. and we're keeping the promise we made, right?"

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded.

"If you want", added Apple Bloom, "you can help me with the murders."

"I couldn't", responded Sweetie Belle nervously, "I won't tell any pony... but.... I could never do what you're doing..."

"What about you, Scootaloo?"

"Are Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon on this list?"

"Of course", cheered Apple Bloom, "but I'm saving the worst for last... of the ones on my list, Snails is the least unworthy."

"You really thought this through, huh", asked Sweetie Belle.

"No shit", responded Apple Bloom, "it's how I'm not gonna caught for any of this."

"Well.. if this leads to a dead Diamond Tiara, I'm in", cheered Scootaloo, "but... Rainbow Dash isn't on the list, right?"

"She isn't", responded Apple Bloom.

"What about Rarity", asked Sweetie Belle nervously.

"Rarity is definitely not on the list", responded Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle sighed with relief and seemed to calm down. Why would any of these good and worthy ponies be on her hit list, but Apple Bloom was glad she had the opportunity to assuage their worries.

"So who's next", asked Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom whispered the name in Scootaloo's ear and then whispered it in Sweetie Belle's ear.

"Oh", squeaked Sweetie Belle, "Fluttershy won't be too happy about that."

"She'll learn to appreciate not having that little shit bossing her around."

"That's true."

"Let's do it", cheered Scootaloo, "let's kill Angel Bunny!"





The Cutie Mark Crusaders walked across Town Square, well Scootaloo was on her scooter. The CMC were on their quest.. it could be the one that would lead to their cutie marks. 
Apple Bloom was feeling a little paranoid. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle seemed trustworthy, but would one of them chicken out and put the whole mission at risk?

They saw Fluttershy and Angel walking towards the spa... Fluttershy was too kind to that shitty bunny. He didn't appreciate anything Fluttershy did for him.. Angel even once kicked Fluttershy out of the house when she was unable to get Angel a cherry he wanted. 

"Oh, Angel", said Fluttershy in her soft and sweet voice, "I have to meet Rarity in the spa now. You can either come in with me or wait for me."

Angel shook his head, stamped his foot, and began pulling on Fluttershy's tail.

"Oh, owwie.. that's my tail, sweetie."

Of course, the little crap knew.

"It won't be long, I promise", added Fluttershy.

Angel began to cry.

"Ohhh.. I promise to bake you an extra special carrot cake."

Angel grinned at Fluttershy.

"Good, will you be going in with me?"

Angel shook his head. 

"Alright, sweetie.. I'll be going in now."

Angel slapped Fluttershy on the ass and giggled...

"Oh.. that hurt.. oh, Angel, I hope you're okay without me." 
Fluttershy went inside the spa.





"Now's our chance", whispered Apple Bloom, "this bunny is a little smarter than Snails, but he's a lot smaller.. easier to kill when we catch him."

"He's fast", said Sweetie Belle, "how are we gonna catch him?"

"Easy", responded Apple Bloom, "we have a scooter."

Scootaloo gulped and said, "You want me to use my scooter for..."

"What happened", interrupted Apple Bloom, "before we left, you were all excited.. now what's happening?"

"It's just... my scooter is innocent, even if we're not."

"We are innocent. We are simply getting rid of the guilty, since neither nature nor law seem to be doing that. It has become our job."

"I wonder what kind of cutie marks we will get", mused Sweetie Belle.

"Something pure", responded Apple Bloom, "something clean.. we are now the Cutie Mark Cleansers."

Scootaloo and Sweetie both shuddered... yes, the name was dark.. but it was well-fitting.

"Okay, girls", said Apple Bloom, "let's think this through. Scootaloo, you're the one who's gonna catch Angel Bunny. Sweetie Belle, you know how to stun living things, right?" 
Sweetie Belle nodded. 
"I'll be the one who kills him", said Apple Bloom, "maybe one of you will kill something someday, but ah figure the plan works best if I do the killing. You're ready? There's no turning back now."

Scootaloo nodded. Sweetie Belle stared down at the ground for a couple seconds but then said, "I'm ready."

"Good."

Angel Bunny approached the Cutie Mark Crusaders with fake wings on his back. He pointed at Scootaloo and began jumping up and down while grunting... that little shit, he was making fun of Scootaloo's disability.. he sure as hell put in a lot of effort, but it offered the great intro for a great end to Angel. 

"Oh", snarled Scootaloo, "I'm gonna get you!!"

Angel giggled and began hopping away. 

"Sweetie", shouted Scootaloo, "get behind me!" 

The two fillies drove off on the scooter while Apple Bloom waited patiently. This would be a way to see if she could trust her two friends. At this moment, if Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo really wanted to, they could run off the police instead and demand her arrest. That's what they could do. Apple Bloom hoped they wouldn't. 





A few minutes passed and she was glad to see that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle returned with a paralyzed Angel. His body was frozen, but his head wasn't. 

Sweetie Belle handed Angel to Apple Bloom.

"Angel Bunny, oh Angel Bunny", said Apple Bloom, "we're gonna go to the Everfree Forest."

Angel couldn't run away... he tried to shriek but Apple Bloom put one of her front hooves on Angel's mouth.. that should shut him up.

The CMC took Angel to the forest. Apple Bloom threw Angel onto the ground.

"Oh Angel", said Apple Bloom, "you ungrateful little brat. You have caused harm to so many ponies with your selfish pranks."

Angel laughed at Apple Bloom.. oh my, he didn't think that she would harm him. Oh, Angel was very much wrong. 

"There is only place for you, Angel", said Apple Bloom, "and that is hell." In only a few seconds, Apple Bloom picked Angel's head up and snapped his neck. He was dead instantly. 

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood there with their mouths wide open.. this would certainly take away any doubt they had about Apple Bloom. 

"Very well, let's throw the little bugger deep into the forest." Apple Bloom stood up on her legs and swung Angel around, throwing him deep into the Everfree Forest where monstrous creatures would likely devour his body.

"Let's go, girls", said Apple Bloom, "I think this has been a good day, you both have been a real big help."

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded and followed Apple Bloom out of the forest.
They seemed a little scared of Apple Bloom, but perhaps a little fear would work in the young earth pony's favor when dealing with her friends.  For the love of Celestia, Apple Bloom hoped that those two didn't attract any witnesses when chasing Angel down. 
> Opalesence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetie Belle was conflicted. She watched as Apple Bloom, one of her best friends, cracked Angel's neck like it was nothing. She understood what Apple Bloom was trying to do. Apple Bloom truly believed she was making the world a better place through her actions, and perhaps the world would become a better place as a result... Sweetie Belle didn't know any better herself. Apple Bloom was the smart one. She was the one who was destined to do great things. However, this all felt wrong.. Sweetie Belle never liked Snails too much and found Angel to be a jerk.. most ponies probably felt the same way about them - but most ponies wouldn't want to see them dead. Sweetie Belle felt stuck. A part of her wanted to turn Apple Bloom in to the police for her crimes, but another part of her wanted to see Apple Bloom succeed in her endeavors. This would lead to the deaths of their worst enemies: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Apple Bloom was stronger and smarter than either of those two brats.. it would be an easy kill.

Sweetie's sister, Rarity, must have noticed that Sweetie was deep in nervous thought. 

"Sweetie Belle", asked Rarity, "is everything alright?"

"Umm.. yea... I guess... I'm assuming you heard about how Snails went missing.."

"I did", responded Rarity, "it's most dreadful. Snails doesn't seem particularly bright.. but why would any pony want to commit foul play on him?"

"I don't know. That's a mystery."

"A lot of bad omens recently", mused Rarity, "Angel Bunny has gone missing too."

Sweetie Belle had to fake shock. 

"Oh no!!", squeaked Sweetie, "maybe Angel got lost."

"Fluttershy is devastated. I personally think Angel was taking advantage of Fluttershy's kindness.. but Fluttershy adores the little bunny. I hope Angel is found soon or Fluttershy will probably never be the same."

Fluttershy will probably never be the same? Uh oh... Apple Bloom, what did you do? Oh no, thought Sweetie Belle, what did we do? Sweetie played a role in Angel's murder with that stupid stun spell.. Angel would have hopped away if it wasn't for that. 

Sweetie Belle began to cry.

"Awww", cooed Rarity, "Sweetie Belle, I promise you things will only get better from here."

If she only knew...

"Oh and Sweetie Belle, I need you to catsit for me. I have an important fashion convention to go to."

"Not a problem. How long will it be?"

"A whole day."

"What", squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Yes Sweetie", said Rarity, "this convention is in Canterlot."

"Well, Rarity.. to be honest, it was kinda last minute..."

"Spike usually takes care of Opal while I'm away, but he's on the search team."

Search team? Oh shit... that should have been expected though. Apple Bloom probably covered her tracks real well.. but she couldn't cover Sweetie Belle's sense of guilt.

"Ooh, I want to be on the search team! Maybe Spike can take care of..."

"Can you breathe fire?"

"No", responded Sweetie Belle sadly.

"And so it is", cheered Rarity, "you will be babysitting Opalesence.. she loves you, right?"

"Eh...", Sweetie Belle slowly approached Opal and put her hoof over Opal's fur.. Opal noticed this. She responded by swiping Sweetie Belle and running away.

"I might be dead if I spend too much time with that cat..."

"Oh", giggled Rarity, "taking care of Opal isn't too hard. You just need to make sure she doesn't run away."

"Can we replace Opal with Apple Bloom's dog, Winona? She's more fun."

"Dogs... ugh", gagged Rarity, "well.. I must be off. There is going to be a fine audience and this could be a real big thing for me."

"How so?"

"My designs could enter the Canterlot Royal Collection! I just hope that everypony in Canterlot likes them."

"You'll do great, sis."

"I appreciate your support, Sweetie Belle", said Rarity, "hopefully, Opal doesn't give you much trouble."

"Err", said Sweetie Belle, "you said it wouldn't be a big deal."

Rarity giggled and rushed out with her collection of dresses.





The day started off quite uneventfully for Scootaloo.

She couldn't get the idea of  how Apple Bloom snapped the little shit's neck... what scared Scootaloo the most was how much she enjoyed it. Angel was relentless in making fun of Scootaloo's disability. Angel also cracked little jokes about Apple Bloom's dead parents. He was an insensitive waste of space. The world was better off without him, even if Fluttershy couldn't see it.

Scootaloo's biological mom was a doctor and her stepmom was a lawyer, so they were usually very busy... it was a Saturday, but one that was too busy for her moms to spend time with her. It was better than living with her deadbeat alcoholic dad... ugh... he was on her list. Scootaloo was used to it. Her moms trusted her a lot. Scootaloo was allowed to stay home alone without a problem for years. If it wasn't for the fact that Sweet Apple Acres had a lot of land, the CMC would probably be spending most of their time at Scootaloo's house.

Scootaloo was surprised when she heard a knock. She shuddered. Was it the police? Were they were going to ask her questions? Scootaloo recited to herself, "I am sorry to hear about the disappearance of Snails and Angel, but I don't know anything about it that can help you." Scootaloo walked slowly to the door. It was only Apple Bloom.

"Hey, Scoots", said Apple Bloom with a smile, "beautiful day, huh?"

"It sure is", responded Scootaloo, "so what sort of fun adventures do we have planned for today?"

"Hmmm...", thought Apple Bloom, "let's go visit Sweetie Belle! Her parents said she is at Carousel Boutique."

"Let's go visit Sweetie Belle!"

"Definitely. We are the Cutie Mark Cleansers after all."

Scootaloo chuckled awkwardly and said, "I don't know if I'll ever get used to that."

"It's alright, sugarcube, ah'm not so used to it either... sounds kind of nice, right?"

"Yea, it does.. last night still felt kind of weird to me."

"Ah hope I didn't upset you."

"That's the strange part", responded Scootaloo, "I enjoyed it... you know.. seeing that little bunny get what he deserves."

"There ya go! It's about time we go around bringing justice to the world. The world ain't' just at all... by its own means, it leads good ponies, like my ma and pa, to be slaughtered by timberwolves and bad ponies, like Diamond Tiara, to live happy and long lives. Where was the world when... well, enough talk about that, let's go see Sweetie Belle!"

Scootaloo knew that Apple Bloom was heartbroken over the untimely death of her parents... it must have changed the little filly forever. Scootaloo didn't know Apple Bloom prior to her parents' passing, however, Scootaloo figured that her parents dying led to Apple Bloom's dark obsession with death. But... Scootaloo wondered... she could probably be just as cruel and sadistic as her friend. 




Apple Bloom and Scootaloo arrived at Carousel Boutique. 
Apple Bloom hoped that Sweetie Belle would be even half as receptive as Scootaloo.. however, Apple Bloom doubted it.
Sweetie was too delicate and sensitive. She would probably never grow to appreciate the cause... Apple Bloom would probably need to use fear to keep Sweetie Belle from using her squeaky voice to tell the truth. 
But perhaps, Apple Bloom was wrong... it doesn't happen often, but she had been wrong in the past.


Apple Bloom knocked on the door confidently, "Sweetie Belle, it's your friends!"

"Coming in a minute", squeaked Sweetie Belle.

A few minutes passed. Scootaloo was getting antsy and whispered to Apple Bloom, "What if she doesn't want to be our friend anymore?"

"Sweetie Belle isn't exactly known for being prompt", responded Apple Bloom calmly. 

"That's true."

The door opened. 

"Sorry girls", said Sweetie Belle, "I've been stuck taking care of the cat today."

"I hate that fluffball", groaned Apple Bloom.

"Me too", added Scootaloo.

"Why don't you go out and play with us and leave that thing alone", asked Apple Bloom.

"Rarity would kill me", responded Sweetie Belle.

"Not with me on your side", said Apple Bloom extending a hoof to Sweetie Belle.

"No killing sisters though, right", asked Sweetie Belle.

"Of course", laughed Apple Bloom, "I have some pretty strict qualifications on who shouldn't be among the living.. you know that."

"All too well, I guess', responded Sweetie Belle softly.

Opalesence approached the CMC and growled at them.

"Ungrateful bitch", muttered Scootaloo.

"Hey", cheered Apple Bloom, "ah got an idea, why don't we go out and take Opal with us?"

"Wait a second", squeaked Sweetie Belle, "you're not gonna do what I'm thinking you're gonna do."

"I dunno", responded Apple Bloom, "but accidents happen once in a while."

Both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle laughed.

Sweetie Belle walked over to Opal and whispered, "I love you, Opal..", but Opal scratched Sweetie's face so hard that it drew blood.

Sweetie Belle began to cry.

"Band-aids", said Apple Bloom, "you gotta have some band-aids around."

"In the bathroom", sniffled Sweetie Belle.

"Let's get them for Sweetie Belle", cheered Scootaloo. The two fillies rushed into the bathroom and got a Band-Aid to cover the cut on Sweetie's face.

"What a stupid cat", chuckled Apple Bloom, "c'mon let's go play."

Opal darted the other way.

"Cats are sooooo dumb", said Apple Bloom, "watch this!" Apple Bloom picked up Opal's toy mouse and ran away with it. Opal chased after Apple Bloom. 

"Well', shrugged Scootaloo, "I guess somepony got Opal out of the house."

Sweetie Belle darted after Apple Bloom and shouted, "You can't!!".
Scootaloo grabbed Sweetie Belle and put her front hoof on Sweetie Belle's mouth and whispered, "Not so loud, Sweetie Belle. Make a scene and you'll attract attention to us and we will become the Cutie Mark Prisoners."

Sweetie Belle sighed.





Apple Bloom ran faster than she ever ran in her life with the toy mouse. Opal was going to fall right into her trap.. this was priceless and too funny. The young earth pony knew where she was heading: Ponyville Gorge. Ponyville Gorge was over four hundred feet up and the ground in the middle was hard and rocky, easy for a pony to meet his or her death....even easier for a cat.

Apple Bloom ran to the gorge and Opal ran right after her.
Apple Bloom noticed that neither Scootaloo nor Sweetie Belle followed.. both she and Opal were probably running far too fast for the two of them to catch up.

Opal was ferocious. She looked like she was ready to kill Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom smiled. A killer versus a killer. It was too easy. 

"Hey, kitty kitty", cooed Apple Bloom, "you want your little toy? Well, come and get it."
Opal must have noticed the gorge since she didn't chase after Apple Bloom anymore. 
Apple Bloom threw the toy mouse to Opal.
Opal took it and began playing with it. 

It was all part of Apple Bloom's plan. She went behind Opal and began lightly stroking the cat's fur. 
Opal yowled, turned around, and opened up Apple Bloom's bow and caused a few hairs on her mane to be pulled out.

Apple Bloom jumped on Opal and continued on with the fight. 
She could see from her peripheral vision that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo caught up.

Opal got Apple Bloom pinned down and was prepping her claws to scratch the filly. However, in a split second, Apple Bloom jumped up and pushed Opal down the gorge. 

Apple Bloom could hear a loud yowl and nothing else. It was too far down for Apple Bloom to hear Opal cracking onto the sharp ground. 

"Oh hi girls", said Apple Bloom nonchalantly, "I got into a fight with Rarity's cat. I better go down and see if she's dead."

Sweetie Belle shyly smiled. Apple Bloom smiled back... yes, Sweetie Belle may not want to admit it, but she hated Opal and was definitely happy that the cat was likely gone from her life forever. 

Apple Bloom threw the toy mouse down the gorge and then climbed down herself. 

It was a long but relatively safe trek downward. Apple Bloom was exhausted, but it was all part of a good day's work. She jumped down to the ground and saw that Opal landed right on a giant spike-shaped rock. Opal's body was ruptured by the sharp rock, which now had an eerily red shade to it.

Apple Bloom groaned. She was hoping that she could bring the cat's dead body home... but the scratches all over Apple Bloom's face and body and the deep scratch Opal gave Sweetie Belle were probably enough cause to show that Opal had gone beserk and ran off to meet her own death. 

Apple Bloom appealed to the cat's bitchy instincts and won. 

"Serves you right", said Apple Bloom softly.

Apple Bloom began her climb up. Opal was dead. 





Apple Bloom was pleased to see that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were still there. 

"Is she...", began Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom nodded.

"Oh no", gulped Sweetie Belle, "what do we tell Rarity?"

"You and I were both attacked by Opal. She went crazy and ran off somewhere. The evidence is quite clear. That cat did hurt us... we are just not going to tell your sister that we hurt the cat."

"You're bleeding, Apple Bloom.. real bad...and your bow, it's been ripped....", said Sweetie Belle with concern

"Makes the story more plausible, but... owww...let's say we go get some band-aids and relax. Today was an interesting day."

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded and followed Apple Bloom.. who knows where they will follow her next?
> Snips
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

All was going according to plan for Apple Bloom. She still didn't have her cutie mark, but that was because she still needed to finish her mission.. hell, it wouldn't even matter to Apple Bloom if she didn't get her cutie mark when all of this was over. She was making the world a better place, this was something in which she had the utmost confidence.

Her family seemed to view the recent "missing ponies and pets" a little differently though...

She heard the talk during breakfast on Sunday morning.

"Ah suspect that there's some criminal around town", said Applejack, "Snails, Fluttershy's bunny, and Rarity's cat all goin' missing.. this ain't a coincidence." 

"Eeyup", agreed Big Mac.

"And shouldn't we all be worried", added Applejack, "there could be a cold-blooded killer right here in Ponyville. None of us are safe."

Apple Bloom thought to herself, y'all are perfectly safe with me around. 

"Have any of those poor folks been found yet", asked Apple Bloom.

"Not from what I heard", responded Big Mac.

"I reckon that killer is a coward", said Granny Smith, "goin' after the weak and helpless. We gotta protect any pony that might be in danger."

A coward?  Apple Bloom was no coward.

"We don't even know if there's a killer around", said Big Mac, "have we heard of any dead bodies being found?"

They all shook their heads.

"But, Mac", said Applejack, "where the hell could they have gone?"

"I... already told you guys about what happened to Opal", said Apple Bloom.

"We heard that, but do we know what happened to Opal after she ran away?"

Apple Bloom shook her head.

"Exactly", said Applejack, "you should be careful. Who knows what this thing is capable of? If you need somepony to watch over you, ah'll do it."

"I'm a big filly", argued Apple Bloom, "ah don't need any extra care."

"Yea", snarled Big Mac, "she's a big filly and can take care of herself."

Applejack sighed and said, "Ah just want you to be safe."

"I know, sis", responded Apple Bloom, "but I'm strong and smart. I can fight some silly killer pony."

"Ah hope your confidence doesn't become your downfall", said Applejack, "please be careful."

"I will, sis", cheered Apple Bloom, "don't worry about me!"

"Those scratches on your face", said Applejack with concern.

"That was from Opal, one of the "weak and helpless"."

"Ah better go meet up with Rarity. She's in real bad shape... ya know from losing her cat, but I think something else is bugging her too..."

Apple Bloom's thoughts were racing... did Sweetie Belle.... oh, she hoped not. 

"I should probably see if Sweetie Belle is okay too", said Apple Bloom, "ah know that cat was cruel to Sweetie Belle.. but she adored the little furball all the same."

"Opal was mean to almost all of us.. even Rarity. Only pony who could per her was Fluttershy."

"Is mean to all of us", reminded Apple Bloom, "she may not be dead."

"But I guess two of us should be working on the farm", said Applejack, "maybe I'll stay here."

"Not a problem", said Big Mac with a shrug, "ah will be able to handle all of the farm work by myself today. It isn't that much."

Apple Bloom left her home to meet up with Sweetie Belle. She hoped that her friend didn't squeal to Rarity. Rarity was clever and a good reader of ponies. She may have been able to root out everything from Sweetie Belle. But that probably wouldn't have happened... she and Scootaloo would have been in hoofcuffs by now. Rarity would have protected her sister, but probably would have no qualm about letting her sister's friends be punished for their crimes. Apple Bloom was still nervous. Thinking about the worst possible outcomes can do that to the pony, but Apple Bloom, as always, was prepared.  





Yesterday, the Cutie Mark Crusaders reported a missing cat to the police.
There were signs all over Ponyville with Opal's snotty-looking picture on it... 

"MISSING CAT : Please return to Carousel Boutique. Will pay generous amount."

Apple Bloom chuckled to herself. Would Rarity pay Apple Bloom a generous amount for returning a cat whose insides were ruptured by a giant rock? Maybe she should go down the gorge and retrieve Opal. Of course, that wouldn't happen.. Rarity would start crying and suspect Apple Bloom of foul play.

She saw Sweetie Belle was heading in the opposite direction.

"Belle", shouted Apple Bloom.

"Oh, Apple Bloom", said Sweetie Belle, "Rarity feels so awful, but it isn't because of Opal going missing."

"Huh?"

"In fact, Rarity is mad at Opal for scratching me so badly. I might have to get stitches, Rarity said."

"That's awful. Good riddance to Opal then, huh."

"Remember, I told you how Rarity was going to Canterlot to audition her dresses for the Royal Collection?"

"Yep."

"Well.. her dresses didn't make it."

"Oh no, how come?"

"Rarity mentioned something about two of the judges being biased against contestants from Ponyville... obviously, the dresses were beautiful, but they only accepted collection items from ponies born and raised in Canterlot."

"That seems kind of fair", said Apple Bloom, "it is the Canterlot Royal Collection."

"Yea, but why have Rarity show up in the first place", argued Sweetie Belle, "they could have said only Canterlot-bred ponies allowed or something like that."

"Sorry to hear about the news."

"Thank you. What two of the judges had to say to Rarity was most distasteful and discouraging, they called her a "Ponyville hick who could never amount to anything worthy of prestige"."

Sounds like some ponies who didn't deserve to live, thought Apple Bloom.

"Who were these judges?"

"I don't know if I have their names right... but Rarity mentioned something about Jet Set and Upper Crust."

Jet Set and Upper Crust? Oh yes... she remembered the one time they visited Ponyville. The two of them were wealthy Canterlot unicorns and stopped by Sweet Apple Acres, making condescending comments about the "poor" conditions of the farm.. fucking bullshit. Those two weren't on her list before, but they would be meeting their doom so enough.

"Hmmm", said Apple Bloom, "maybe we should make a visit to Canterlot soon."

"What!?!? Don't tell me you're thinking of...."

"It seems like Jet Set and Upper Crust have proven that the world will be a better place without them from what you said."

Apple Bloom had to admit that the fancy shmancy dress competition had nothing to do it.. rather, it was their attitude towards Sweet Apple Acres, but if she was going to get Sweetie Belle on board - she had to make it look like it was vengeance for what they did to Rarity. Hell, Rarity's dresses may have just not been good enough and that wasn't a 'crime' Apple Bloom was willing to punish a pony.

Suddenly, they heard a voice which sounded like it was coming from a loudspeaker, "Every pony, I have some unfortunate news to report!!"

Twilight Sparkle.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle joined the crowd over by Town Hall.

Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Caramel were at the podium.
"As most of you know, the four of us have been assigned to a search team by the Mayor to find Snails, who had gone missing three days ago. Unfortunately, we have good reason to believe that he is dead", said Twilight Sparkle, "we found some hairs in the swamp of Froggy Bog Pond and from DNA analysis, we have determined that they are of Snails. No body was found. It is most likely that Snails was devoured by a monster at Froggy Bog Pond and his body is unretrievable. This seems like an unfortunate accident, but we are still looking into exactly what happened." 

"We are sorry to have to report this to you", said Rainbow Dash, "but we searched long and hard for Snails and this seems to be what most likely happened."

Ponies in the audience looked sad. But only one began to bawl, Snips. 

"S-s-s-s-nails", cried Snips, "oh noooooooo...... why????" Snips ran out of the crowd.

"Hopefully, this stops happening", said Twilight to the crowd, "as many of you have heard, Angel, a bunny, and Opal, a cat, have also gone missing. This unfortunately suggests that Snails' death might not have been an accident, but nothing has been concluded in that regard. Thank you for your time and stay safe."

Scootaloo had joined Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

"So they found, Snails, huh", said Scootaloo.

"They found his hairs. Ah bet he got eaten by the hydra in Froggy Bog Pond. His body is nowhere to be found."

"What about Angel Bunny?"

"What about him?"

"They'll find his body and..."

"In the Everfree Forest? Oh, please", laughed Apple Bloom, "there's probably less of him than there was of Snails." 

As for Opal, the CMC had an alibi, if suspicion was drawn on them.

"Girls", said Apple Bloom, "I have to get going. Ah have something to take care of."

"If it's for what I'm thinking it is, we can join you", said Scootaloo.

"Sorry", said Apple Bloom, "this plan I have works best with only me being involved.. but let's say that Snips won't have to mourn his dead friend for too long."

Apple Bloom ran off. She sighed with relief from seeing that neither of her friends tried to stop her.





Apple Bloom noticed that Snips ran away from the crowd in the southwest direction. Based on that, it was likely he was heading to Froggy Bog Pond and not his house (which was in the opposite direction).. oh, if he was, it would actually not be hard at all.. especially with how Apple Bloom suspected she could get rid of Snips.

Apple Bloom simply hoped that no pony was watching her from above.. such as Rainbow Dash... oh, she would have to turn back.

Apple Bloom turned back to her friends and said, "Scootaloo, try to distract Rainbow Dash and make sure she doesn't fly to Froggy Bog Pond."

"Not hard to do at all, I cherish every moment I can spend with Rainbow", said Scootaloo with a smile.

"Good."

Apple Bloom saw that Rainbow was still up at the podium, taking questions from concerned ponies, that might even prove to be enough.





She remembered seeing some rope by a tree near the pond... yes, it was still there! Perfect. 

Apple Bloom grabbed the rope and continued her trip to Froggy Bog Pond. 

Apple Bloom arrived and heard annoying cries, cries that sounded like they came from Snips, a dumb colt who was amazingly even more annoying than Snails. Beautiful.. this would be the end for one pony today.

"Ah'm sorry about what happened to Snails", said Apple Bloom softly.

"I.. I.... oh... I....", stuttered the distraught Snips.

"Makes you kind of feel like life isn't worth living, huh?"

"It does", responded Snips, "Snails was my best friend. We were always there for one another.. life will never be the same."

"So, you don't have to let life be the same", said Apple Bloom, "go ahead and kill yourself. Who knows? You might even see Snails in heaven."

"You're right, Apple Bloom", responded Snips, "geez, why are you always so smart?"

"Ah was born that way, destined for great things."

"Well.. I guess I don't really have a desire to live anymore."

"That's right, you don't", said Apple Bloom with confidence, "ah see some rope over there. You know what to do, right?"

"I...I... may be stupid... but I know how to hang a noose from a tree... it should have been my special talent. Why haven't you gotten your cutie mark yet?"

"Ah guess ah might be a tad more worthless than you", responded Apple Bloom with a sigh.

"You're crazy", said Snips, "you know that... like when Snails came here to meet you and... oh my gosh... I... I... holy smokes! It was you, wasn't it?"

"You're the one that's crazy", responded Apple Bloom, "how could a little filly like me hurt a strong colt like Snails?"

"I...I... don't know... you're right, it was probably an accident... b-b--b-ut poor Snails... you may have not known, but he had a crush on you."

Apple Bloom seriously didn't know that. She was happy that she stopped any prospects of that romance from happening. Death to herself was preferable over doing anything romantic with Snails.

"Oh no, that makes me feel extra sad now. Snails was a good colt."

"He was", Snips sighed, "I'm going to miss him. Well.. I know what I'm gonna do now."

Snips found a tree which conveniently had an abandoned ladder leaning on it.
Snips levitated the rope onto the tree and tied up a noose.
Maybe Snips wasn't entirely worthless, his magical abilities weren't bad for a unicorn his age... but he was probably held back a couple years for being so dumb, so he might have been older. 

Snips climbed up the ladder and put his head around the noose.

"Do it, tell Snails I say hi", cheered Apple Bloom.

Snips kicked the ladder under his feet and he dropped enough that his neck broke. Snips was most certainly dead.

Apple Bloom smiled. This was perfect. Snips committed suicide. Apple Bloom was simply there to make sure the suicide occurred. 
She skipped off and looked around, feeling confident that there were no witnesses or surveillance of her deed. 
They would find him soon enough and that was okay. It would look like a suicide since it was technically a suicide. 

What next? Perhaps, they would go to Canterlot. Apple Bloom figured that there were some snobs in Canterlot who deserved to be punished. 

> Jet Set & Upper Crust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Five days of school had passed.

Apple Bloom anxiously paid attention to the updates regarding her four victims. She needed to determine if there was any evidence against her, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. 

Snails' body was not found, but it was presumed that he was killed in Froggy Bog Pond - probably eaten by the giant hydra who lived in the swamp. The search team had all but given up on finding Snails.

Angel couldn't be found. The search team seems to have not given up on finding Angel's body. However, the creatures in the Everfree Forest likely made their own uses of Angel's body - making it unfindable. This was the best possible case for Apple Bloom. Her murder of Angel was perhaps the one that could be traced back to the CMC the easiest.. no reasonable alibi and would Angel run into the Everfree Forest on his own volition? 

Opal was found at the bottom of the gorge. It was presumed that Opal went beserk after being pet by Sweetie Belle and ran out of Carousel Boutique in such a rage that she neglected to look out for the gorge.

Snips was found at Froggy Bog Pond, in what appeared to be a suicide.

Everything was working according to plan for Apple Bloom. A part of her was thinking maybe this was the time to stop.. she did her part... but no... the desire for justice and the lust for blood were too strong for the young filly. There were more ponies who deserved death. Wouldn't all of this have been for naught if Apple Bloom spared their lives? However, her luck could start running dry real soon... 

There were also the nightmares. Most of them involved her locked in solitary confinement. At least twice, Apple Bloom was visited by Luna.. she didn't know if it was Luna actually visiting her dreams or if it that was a figment of Apple Bloom's imagination. 
Apple Bloom wondered. Did Princess Luna know about her deeds? And if so, why hadn't Luna used her royal powers to have Apple Bloom sent to the dungeon?





School was finally over.
Apple Bloom walked with her friends to the CMC Clubhouse.

"So, what are we up to this weekend", asked Scootaloo.

"I was thinking that we could just have a nice tea party and nothing else", responded Apple Bloom with a chuckle.

"Ooh, I like tea parties", squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Ugh", groaned Scootaloo, "Apple Bloom was being sarcastic- this weekend, there's gonna be blood, right?"

"Yes, the mission will still continue."

"Maybe we should quit while we're still ahead", suggested Sweetie Belle.

"Ah thought about quitting", said Apple Bloom, "but we haven't quite made the world a better place yet."

"I suppose we haven't killed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon yet", said Sweetie Belle.

"Exactly", responded Apple Bloom, "we still have a lot of work to do. This weekend, though, I think we should take a field trip."

"A field trip", asked Scootaloo.

"Why", said Apple Bloom with a smile, "a field trip to Canterlot!"

"It's Canterlot", whined Sweetie Belle, "you can't bring murder there!"

"And you're okay with murder in Ponyville then?"

"Well.. uh.... uggghhhh... forget it!"

"So, how are we going to get to Canterlot", asked Scootaloo.

"Ah've been learning how to make potions", said Apple Bloom, "it may not be as wondrous as the unicorn magic, but it will be mighty helpful."

"What are these potions for", asked Sweetie Belle.

"We need to get to Canterlot without being traced, right", said Apple Bloom, "this potion I conjured will shrink us to the size of bugs. We can hide on the train without being seen by any pony. Then, we go in and destroy our victims. Ah also have these syringes which my family uses to put down farm animals who get too old and sick. It will be like a bee sting."

"Geez", said Scootaloo, "sometimes, I think you're too smart for your own good."

"Only thing I haven't figured out yet".

"And what's that?"

"This potion can only keep us tiny for two hours at most. The train ride is about an hour to Canterlot. We only have an hour to make our kill and avoid being seen."

"Who's the kill?"

"Sweetie Belle and I know these two horrid wastes of space."

"I never met them", protested Sweetie Belle.

"They hurt Rarity."

"You met them?"

"By "know", I meant have knowledge of, but I know what they look like.. we find them and kill them."
Apple Bloom figured it wouldn't be smart to reveal her real reasons for wanting to kill Jet Set and Upper Crust.

"Scootaloo, to clue you in", continued Apple Bloom, "Jet Set and Upper Crust are two upper-class unicorns from Canterlot. The crime they had committed was shutting out poor Rarity's fashion items from inclusion because she is from Ponyville, like us. It is ponies like them who bring about prejudice and hatred. Qualities which our society could do without."

"That's really stupid", argued Scootaloo, "that can't be the reason you want to kill them, you don't even like Rarity that much?"

"What", squeaked Sweetie Belle, "is this true?"

Apple Bloom blushed and then said, "How I feel about a pony doesn't matter, what matters is that pony's overall effect on society. Jet Set and Upper Crust are the prime examples of ponies who make society worse through their snobbish attitudes and disdain for anything that is not like them. They must be destroyed. Do you understand now, Scootaloo?"

Apple Bloom must have intimidated Scootaloo since she nodded her head quickly and nervously.

"Let's go!"





The three fillies arrived at the Ponyville train station and stood by a bag. It must have been owned by some pony going on the train. Perfect source of transportation!

"Good", said Apple Bloom, "now, let's drink up."

"Ummm", said Sweetie Belle, "if you don't mind, could you drink it first? Not that we don't trust you, but..."

"Sure", said Apple Bloom with a confident tone, "it's not a problem at all. I'll start."

Apple Bloom drank the potion and then began to shrink. She watched as the world grew much bigger until she was the size of a bee.

She looked up at the normal-sized Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and motioned them to drink their potions. She had the deadly syringes held tightly inside her saddle bag. They would listen to her.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle drank their potions and shrank as well.

"C'mon, Cutie Mark Cleansers", cheered Apple Bloom, "we are now gonna go to Canterlot!!"
The three tiny fillies wrapped their bodies around the handle of the bag. 
Suddenly, they felt the bag being lifted up at unfathomable speeds by unicorn magic.

It was a pony they recognized: Lyra Heartstrings and her marefriend Bon-Bon. Hopefully, they wouldn't notice the tiny CMC.

"C'mon Bon-Bon", said Lyra enthusiastically, "my parents in Canterlot adore you."

"Just as much as I don't adore them", said Bon-Bon sarcastically.

Apple Bloom held on for dear life on Lyra's bag. She hoped that they wouldn't be the next ones to die. 

"Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, are you two okay", whispered Apple Bloom softly.

"Just hanging around", responded Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom smiled at her friend's lame joke, but the Cutie Mark Cleansers were strong and formidable. 
Apple Bloom also realized, at this point, her friends probably thought she was a sociopath - somepony who looked to kill whomever in sight. But Apple Bloom wasn't a sociopath. She was an idealist - looking to make the world a better place. She had big dreams.

On their way to Canterlot, they could see Lyra's enormous mint-green face watching them. She noticed them. Lyra smiled and watched the tiny CMC with glee. She seemed to be trying to figure out exactly what they were. As long as she didn't deduce that they were the Cutie Mark Crusaders, all should be fine.

"What are you looking at", asked Bon-Bon.

"Look at these cute little bugs on my bag."

"Huh?"

Apple Bloom could see Bon-Bon's giant face also look at them, but rather looking at the tiny CMC with awe. Bon-Bon looked at them with disgust and said, "They're only stupid bugs." She took her hoof and swiped the tiny CMC off the bag. 

Apple Bloom began to scream as did her two friends. Were they going to die?

But no, Sweetie Belle was able to conjure up a little spell which lightened the impact of the fall for the tiny fillies and they survived without any harm.

"Thanks Sweetie Belle", said Apple Bloom with relief, "I owe you one."

"How are we gonna.... oh right, these poisonous syringes."

Apple Bloom felt rage at Bon-Bon for doing that. She had to fight the urge to take her syringe and give Bon-Bon a deadly injection right now. However... no... that would cause too much chaos on the train, risking their lives. These were for Jet Set and Upper Crust: two ponies much more deserving of death. But hmmmmm... two strikes against Bon-Bon at this point, thought Apple Bloom. A while back, Bon-Bon acted like a bitch to Apple Bloom when the little filly was just trying to help her older sister sell some apples.. that was the first strike. As for the second strike, being swiped to the ground like little bugs seemed cause as a second strike. Maybe, she would be on the list too.

The three fillies hid under a seat with the hopes that no pony would try to crush them.

"This better be worth it", moaned Scootaloo.

"Don't worry", said Apple Bloom with a comforting and confident smile, "ah got it all figured out."

"Including Bon-Bon swiping us onto the ground like we were little bugs?"

"Well, I can't plan every single little second.. but we made it out okay thanks to Sweetie Belle. Let's stay put and we will be okay. Those two snob ponies will be on their death beds before they could even be made aware of our existence."

'Ummm", said Sweetie Belle nervously, "what if ummmm... Rarity was lying or... I don't know."

"How could any pony live in such wretched and rustic conditions", asked Upper Crust to her husband, Jet Set, while looking at the vast land which made up Sweet Apple Acres. 

"It really is most unfortunate, my dear", responded Jet Set, "but some ponies are not quite as fortunate as us. The Apple family.. psshaw, such low-lives living a low-life."

Apple Bloom heard the conversation between the two of them and walked over, "What did you say about the Apple family now?".

"Nothing, sugarcube", cooed Upper Crust, "why don't you go play in the mud or whatever it is farm children do?" 

Apple Bloom ran off, disgusted with their attitudes.

"You really think Rarity would lie to you", asked Apple Bloom, "about something like that?"

"C'mon, Sweetie", added Scootaloo, "what other reason would any pony have to prevent your sister's wonderful creations from entering the Canterlot Royal Collection?"

"You both are right", said Sweetie Belle softly, "I'm game."

The train finally arrived at Canterlot.

"Let's go, girls", shouted Apple Bloom, "we don't have much time!"





Canterlot was such a beautiful and elegant town, thought Apple Bloom, a place which would only grow in both its beauty and elegance with the undesirables gone. Princess Celestia would eventually be pleased with these murders.

The tiny fillies ran quickly and avoided anything large, particularly hooves. 

"Hey, I think Rainbow Dash would have fun at this size", said Scootaloo kind of randomly.

"Yea, you're right", responded Apple Bloom, "she would be a lot faster than us too. Ugh... we're cutting it close, but follow my lead. I think I got a good idea of where Jet Set and Upper Crust are."

They made it to Le Chef, an expensive restaurant in Canterlot, where the rich would go on a regular basis.
The CMC could see a large crowd of gigantic wealthy ponies chatting. Upper Crust and Jet Set were part of that group.

Apple Bloom could hear their snobbish voices, "Now, this is true class - not like what is considered the norm of today.", "Yes, indeed. Not like that Rarity.. ugh, I can't believe that Ponyville hick thought she had a shot of having her Ponyville-made items part of the Canterlot Royal Collection."

Well, those fuckers were the judges. 

"We only have five minutes", said Apple Bloom, "then we grow back to normal size."

"Wait what", shrieked Sweetie Belle, "but this means ponies will see that we were in Canterlot!!"

"We gotta make our kill quickly", said Apple Bloom, "we will then dash to that tall tree over there and then drink the potions to shrink again and go back to Ponyville without a problem. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, ah would like the two of you to make your first kills."
Apple Bloom handed the two fillies syringes. 

"It's real easy", continued Apple Bloom, "you just walk over to each one and give a little injection. On the hoof is fine. This poison is designed to cause death no matter where you inject it."

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gave Apple Bloom looks which said, "that's not the hard part."
Apple Bloom supposed this killing thing was easier for some ponies than others. 

"If you two wanna do it, you have to do it now."

Scootaloo grabbed the syringe and stabbed it into Jet Set's leg. 
She could heard coughing and a loud groan and Jet Set collapsed.

"C'mon, Sweetie", goaded Apple Bloom, "you have to kill Upper Crust. Or I'll do it!"

"No", said Sweetie Belle, "I'll do it."

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and ran in a straight line.
Upper Crust was already screaming about her husband's collapse.

Sweetie Belle managed to get the syringe right into the heel of Upper Crust's hoof. She fell right down with Jet Set. 
They were both dead, just like that. The whole group was in shock. 

Apple Bloom motioned her friends to run away while the commotion was going on.

"Hurry, hold on to these potions. We are going to grow back to normal size any minute and we want them to grow right back with us", said Apple Bloom. 
She smiled. Despite her motivations being for the greater good, Apple Bloom admitted that she enjoyed the power she had from killing others and getting others to kill for her. Perhaps, this was also part of her destiny. Apple Bloom was a genius and could outwit anypony she wished. Who could match her in wits? Apple Bloom did have one pony to fear in that regard, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight was a good pony and didn't deserve death, but... perhaps, Twilight's death would be necessary for the greater good if she tries to put an end to the killings. That would be for later. 

They made it to the tree.
"Scootaloo, get on my back and Sweetie Belle, get on Scootaloo's back."
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo obeyed.

The three of them grew back to normal size.
Apple Bloom was about to tell them to drink the potions again.. but another pony came to mind. Perhaps, they could get another kill in tonight. This could be done at normal size. The target's castle was in a secluded area and away from the town square. The three of them could get there and avoid detection.

"Hmmmm, you know what, girls", said Apple Bloom, "ah think we have another kill to make tonight. Let's go in the other direction. Don't worry about shrinking again for now. We will be able to make this kill just fine normal-sized."

Before either of them could protest, Apple Bloom ran off. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo followed from behind. 
> Prince Blueblood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Bloom giggled with glee over her next target: Prince Blueblood.
He was simply born into royalty and had the expectation that everything would go well for him, as a result. That probably was true, until Apple Bloom visits her.

The two of them had met once before.

Apple Bloom always had an interest in weapons and learning how to use them. She had heard that the greatest swordspony in all of Equestria was the well-renowned Prince Blueblood. Any pony who wanted to become good with swords would want to get lessons from Blueblood. She was only six years old and her family was visiting Canterlot. 

"C'mon Applejack", whined Apple Bloom, "ah want to learn how to use a sword."

"No use for that on the farm, and it's far too dangerous for a little filly like you."

"Big Mac got to learn how to use a sword last year.."

"He was older than you and, besides, you're a filly.. no need for swords."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. Like the tough and stubborn Applejack would ever let something like gender stop her from doing anything she wanted. She knew that her older sister was making excuses. Applejack wanted Apple Bloom to stay safe.

"C'mon, sis. Ah want to be a swordspony. Defending the farm against dangers." Apple Bloom wanted to add that a sword could have killed the timberwolves who killed their parents.. but that was tough territory to tread on. That was why Big Mac took up the art of swordsponyship, he didn't want any pony he cared about to be harmed by outside forces.

"For the last time, Apple Bloom, no!"





Apple Bloom had to meet Prince Blueblood and see if he would be willing to teach her how to use a sword. 
He was touted as the best fighter in all of Equestria and had slain many a dragon. 
She snuck out while her older sister and brother went to sleep at the hotel they were staying at.

Apple Bloom arrived at Blueblood's castle. It was in a secluded grassy area. Far away from the hustle of the city of Canterlot.
She walked to the front of the castle and knocked on the door.

"Go away, I do not allow visitors", said a high-class Canterlot voice. 

"Ah want to learn how to use a sword and ah heard that you've been teaching ponies."

The door opened. There was Prince Blueblood, in all of his princely and regal glory. 
He looked down at Apple Bloom and said, "You're a little one. You don't even have your cutie mark yet."

"Ah want to be the best sword-wielding filly in all of Equestria, you can teach me to be the best."

"Hmmmmmm", hummed Blueblood, "you see... errr.... I only teach ponies of a certain class how to use a sword. From your accent alone, I know you are not one of those ponies."

"C'mon", whined Apple Bloom, "I'm really strong and quick. Hell.. teach me well enough and I could probably beat any pony in a swordfight."

Blueblood laughed heartily and said, "You? A little earth pony filly? You can beat me? Ridiculous."

"You really are a detestable prick, huh?"

"I never said I wasn't", said Blueblood calmly and with a smile, "now get out of my castle!! I shant teach a pony of your breeding the high-class act of the sword. Get out!"

Apple Bloom scowled at Blueblood and ran off. 



Luckily for Apple Bloom, her brother taught her how to fight with a sword. Even if Blueblood refused to teach her...

This was also one of the riskiest kills Apple Bloom was going to make. Not because it would be difficult.
Rather, the repercussions for killing a pony of royal status were much more severe than killing any other kind of pony.
There was no trial if you were accused of killing a pony of royalty. Rather, there was a tribunal of judges who decided on your fate. There have been tales of ponies being executed by the 'benevolent' Princess Celestia. 
Apple Bloom wondered if Princess Celestia felt happy inside when she killed other ponies or did she do so solemnly.

It was time to revenge. Apple Bloom would challenge Blueblood to a sword fight and slice him up in the process. She was confident that she could beat the prissy prince. Many of the tales told about him were probably not true. Big Mac would probably have an easier time defeating the prick than even she would. Yes, Blueblood's death would make the world a better place.. that's for sure. 

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were following from behind.

"Are you thinking of doing what I think you are thinking of doing?", asked Sweetie Belle.

"Time to kill a prince", said Apple Bloom with a smile. 

"Ummm... Bloom", said Scootaloo nervously, "you do know what happens if you get caught killing a prince."

"Ah do", responded Apple Bloom, "this is based on principle. I'm not going to let some undesirable live simply because he's a prince. It goes against my beliefs. We got history. Besides, if Blueblood is really as great as he says he is, I could be the one who dies."

Apple Bloom thought to herself, ah'm not gonna die. 

"Yikes", shrieked Sweetie Belle, "you really don't have to do this... ummmm... I think you did a pretty good job of improving the world already. I think you could let all the others live... you know."

This was too much fun, thought Apple Bloom, that was the last thought on her mind. 

"You two could turn back, you know", said Apple Bloom, "ah don't need either of you for this kill."

"Are you nuts", said Scootaloo, "I get what you're trying to do... but... you're really risking your life to kill Blueblood?"

"Ah have it all planned out. I don't think I'm going to die."

"Like I said, you're too smart for your own damn good. Sweetie Belle and I are staying close."

"We don't want to go away.. in case.. you know on the off chance that you get hurt", added Sweetie Belle.

"You two are great friends", said Apple Bloom with a smile.

They arrived at Blueblood's castle.

"Stay hidden", whispered Apple Bloom to them, "if you hear a feminine yelp, it's probably Blueblood."

They nodded.

Apple Bloom was ready to go in.





Apple Bloom climbed up the castle. She knew that Blueblood had a room with his collection of swords. The plan was to take one of them and challenge Blueblood to a fight. He would have no problem with slaying a filly who didn't have her cutie mark yet. Boy, would he be surprised about what she could do!

Apple Bloom climbed up about two stories and saw the room with dozens of swords hanging on the walls.
She chuckled about how this was a less exhilarating experience than being on Lyra's bag at the train. 

Good, the room was unoccupied. It would make it easy to take a sword.
Apple Bloom saw a medium-length sword made of the rare Valyrian steel. He was probably one of the few who actually owned such a sword... neither Big Mac nor her could afford one. Yes.. kill Blueblood with his own affluence. 

She opened the window and snuck inside.
Apple Bloom took the sword and began her quest to find Blueblood.
Maybe he wasn't even home?
She would wait as long as she had to wait. 

It was a large castle, she finally saw Blueblood in a room smiling at himself in the mirror. What a pathetic narcissist! He was a good looking prince, but the pony who loved Blueblood more than any other pony was himself. 

"Ho", shouted Apple Bloom.

Blueblood turned around and said, "Sweet Celestia, what are your grubby little hooves doing with my high quality sword made of Valyrian steel!?!?"

"Ah borrowed it. Ah'll give it back after I beat you in a sword fight."

Blueblood laughed and said, "Puh-leese! You, beat me? I am Prince Blueblood, the greatest pony in all of Equestria. You think you can beat me! That is preposterous.'

Apple Bloom shrugged and said, "Get a sword and fight me."

"I don't know", said Blueblood, "my aunt Celestia will be awfully sore with me if I kill a little filly with my sword."

"Yea, she would", said Apple Bloom, "but ah don't think we will have to worry about that."

"You're a cocky little cunt, aren't you", snarled Blueblood, "time to teach you a lesson."

Blueblood ran out to get his sword.

Apple Bloom held the handle of the sword between her teeth. This was certainly risky. What if the tales were true about Blueblood? 
What if he was better than her or her brother, Big Mac? 

Apple Bloom wasn't a patient pony. The prissy prick was taking too long. She wasn't going anywhere though.

She then heard, "A nice long sword that weighs more than you should do it!!"

She saw that the prince levitated the sword in the air with his unicorn magic. 

"Overcompensating much, huh", suggested Apple Bloom.

Blueblood snarled and said, "I am well compensated in that area, thank you very much."

"Let's fight."

Blueblood swung down his long and powerful sword down on Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom stopped the blow through her smaller, yet tough sword. Ah... his sword definitely didn't feel like it was made of Valyrian steel. Perhaps, she could weaken his sword or even break it. 

Apple Bloom ran under Blueblood holding the sword. She paced herself around the room and jumped -trying to go for the kill.
However, Blueblood swung his sword at Apple Bloom, causing her to be pushed back down onto the ground. 

Owww.. thought Apple Bloom... that hurt. She would catch Blueblood off guard and make it seem like she was going to give up.

"How could you", sniffled Apple Bloom, "that hurt so much."

"You're the idiot who challenged me to a fight", responded Blueblood, "let it be known that no pony can beat me in combat."

Apple Bloom was itching to strike. She really was.. but like all of her other murders, timing was key. 

Prince Blueblood walked over to Apple Bloom and began kicking at her and saying, "Know your place in life, little one. Now, I shall take the sword you 'borrowed'..."

Apple Bloom grabbed the sword and jumped into the air, cutting Blueblood in the back.
He fell to the ground instantly and began to cry... "that hurt."

Apple Bloom stared down at Blueblood and said, "Know your place in life, princely one. Now, I shall take your life."

"Please spare me", cried Blueblood.

Apple Bloom shook her head. 

She then stood on her hind legs and held the sword with her front hooves.
She swung the sword downwards and aimed it so that Blueblood's head would be separated from his body. 
He died instantly. 

Apple Bloom quickly ran out of the castle and met up with her friends.

"You got some scratches", commented Sweetie Belle with worry.

"It's okay", responded Apple Bloom, "some ponies have been hurt much worse than ah've been. Let's go before some pony sees us."

The three fillies took the shrinking potion again and made their way to the train station. Thankfully, nothing eventful happened on the ride home and it was actually kind of peaceful. Probably, because it was late at night. They were back at Ponyville. Apple Bloom needed to think of a good excuse as to why she was home too late.. she shrugged... Cutie Mark Crusader antics should be a good enough excuse.

The fun was just beginning. 
Apple Bloom did learn something important today. 
Blueblood's blood wasn't blue.
> Flim and Flam
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight Sparkle paced around in her crystal castle. Too many ponies were dying in odd ways.. they had to be connected somehow. Twilight didn't know how, but it wasn't a coincidence. There was definitely a murderer and a lot of ponies were in danger.

Twilight thought about it all.
Snails dying at Froggy Bog Pond, Angel disappearing, Opalescene's gruesome death at the bottom of the gorge, Snips hanging himself, Jet Set and Upper Crust being poisoned, and Prince Bluebood's decapitation. 
Twilight shuddered. Maybe the Ponyville deaths and the Canterlot deaths were separate from one another. It was certain that Jet Set, Upper Crust, and Blueblood were murdered by some pony. 
However, Snails could have ran off to Froggy Bog Pond by himself and got killed there. Angel could have ran off as well. Opalesence, according to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, went beserk before running out of Carousel Boutique. Poor Snips was heartbroken over the death of Snails and took his own life.

Spike walked in, noticing that Twilight was deep in thought.
"You're still thinking about those deaths, huh?"

"Spike, I have to", responded Twilight, "something is not right. I am wondering if all of these deaths are connected, well.. Besides the obvious such as Snips killing himself over Snails' death, I just feel it. There's a dark force. A killer. I have one of the sharpest minds helping me connect the dots."

"Rarity?"

"Could be, for all I know", responded Twilight, "I've been talking with Zero, a detective who chooses to keep his or her identity secret from the world. Zero and I have been sharing our thoughts since we gained confirmation on Snails' death. Zero has been collecting all the pieces and if any pony can make a connection, it's Zero."

"I just hope you're going to be okay."

"Spike, I couldn't live with myself if more ponies die because I didn't do anything about it. If there is a murderer, he or she is very good at covering tracks. A real brainiac."

"More like a maniac, if you ask me."

"A pony can be both."

"Yes, I suppose."

"Whatever happens, I hope no pony or animal dies."

Twilight and Spike looked at one another. They hoped the other would be safe.





Canterlot was a mess, even worse than Ponyville. Probably because Apple Bloom took the "it's definitely murder" route with her last three victims, compared to the more ambiguous ones in Ponyville. Equestria was such a goody-goody and safe place, that three ponies being killed on the same day was particularly shocking. 

It was odd though. Not many ponies could legitimately say they missed the uber-snobbish Jet Set and Upper Crust or the aloof Prince Blueblood. Their peers in Canterlot had actually seemed to not like them too much and simply tolerated their presences. Tolerance was a key trait in the Equestrian Empire and most ponies abided by it, however, not the smart ones... not Apple Bloom.

For now. Apple Bloom couldn't believe what was happening. She groaned to herself loudly. Those charlatans, Flim and Flam, were actually back in Ponyville. Weren't they found out for being frauds twice already? How stupid did they think the ponies in Ponyville were? 

Apple Bloom complained about it to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, "These were the two salesponies who had no qualms about moving my family out of the farm for their Super Speedy Squeezy Cider 6000 and gave my granny some stupid tonic which was "supposed to make her younger". Now, these two charlatans offer no goodness to the world. They make the world worse by conning ponies. Granny spent too much of our hardly earned money on what turned out to be apple juice: from apples on our farm!!"

"Does this mean", began Scootaloo. 

"Yes.. Flim and Flam must die."

"Ummm", said Sweetie Belle nervously, "have you been watching the news?"

"Yes, ah have been watching the news. Canterlot is outraged, but you can tell.. it is only by moral obligation than any real desires. Ah see other ponies talk about Jet Set and Upper Crust.. never do I fail to note the fake politeness through gritted teeth. Most ponies despised them. They were the snobbiest of all the snobs. It's not just poor little farm ponies like me who dislike them. As for Blueblood, his mother seemed legitimately sad but every pony else.. nope..."

"Also probably out of fear", added Scootaloo, "these ponies are wondering: are they next? Will they be killed? It seems that they have no clue how Jet Set and Upper Crust got poisoned... no clue at all.... it just happened out of nowhere. Nothing quite like that out there to really get the paranoia going."

"Little do they know that if they are good, they won't be killed by me", said Apple Bloom sweetly.
Unless she had to for the greater good, the ends justify the means.

"So how are we going to do it?"

"Ah'm gonna sell them a potion after their little show."

"The shrinking potion?"

"Yes, the shrinking potion. Boy, will they be shocked when they try a product that actually works."

"Ummm.. girls", said Sweetie Belle, "I can't make it today..."

"Why not", asked Apple Bloom.

"Don't you remember? Today is the day of the Spring Concert. I'm the lead singer!"

"Go and do it", said Apple Bloom cheerfully, "ah know how much you love singing. Unfortunately, ah won't be able to watch for well... you know..."

"Yes, I know", said Sweetie Belle. 

"Have fun", said Apple Bloom with a smile.

Sweetie Belle ran off. 
Uh oh, Apple Bloom hoped for the love of Celestia that Sweetie Belle wouldn't run off and tell some pony that Flim and Flam were going to be dead soon. If Flim and Flam received warning of what was going to happen, Apple Bloom swore to Celestia that Sweetie Belle was going to die today instead. Yes... hopefully, that filly with a conscience thought better about it. 

At the same time, Apple Bloom couldn't force Sweetie Belle to not sing at the concert. If anything, that would lead to more certainty that Sweetie Belle, mad at Apple Bloom, would spill the beans on everything. Sweetie Belle was neither devious nor intelligent. Apple Bloom should feel confident that Sweetie wasn't going to pull any tricks on her by going to the concert which was actually happening today.

"Whatcha' thinking  about", interrupted Scootaloo.

"Oh, it's just each murder gets tougher and tougher to execute."

"What do you want me to do", asked Scootaloo.

"Ah'll do all the talking. You just need to stand by my side. If you want, you can even squish one of them like a bug!"

"Errr... I'll think about it."

"Regardless, let's begin."





Apple Bloom carried the shrinking potion in her saddlebag. Scootaloo was right behind her. There were Flim and Flam addressing a large crowd of ponies. 

"Welcome all", said Flim, "colts and fillies, we have quite the treat for you."

"Yes, indeed", said Flam, "given all the horrors of death in recent days. We got the thing just for you."

"It will protect, yes it will protect."

"Ponies from being murdered!"

'Your immunity to murder will increase to infinity."

"Leaving the killer shocked." 

Flam pulled out a picture of a stallion in a dark robe, holding a sword with question marks around him with a happy mare standing by a finished drink. 

"It's a lifetime investment", said Flim.

"But we offer it to you at a bargain."

"A thousand bits per bottle."

"It may seem to be a lot, but isn't it worth it?"

"I think so."

"As do I."

"Drink up, brother."

"Indeed."

Flim and Flam drank their potions.

"It takes three minutes for the potion to work."

"So, you want to drink it now!!!"

Three minutes had passed. The audience watched with anticipation.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. This was all for show. The potion certainly didn't prevent ponies from being murdered. 
Apple Bloom would prove that in secret. 

Flim and Flam pulled guns out at each other and fired bullets at one another. 

"Not a rupture", said Flim.

"I don't see any wounds on myself or you, brother", added Flam.

The audience cheered.

"See, this works! At the price of one thousand bits per bottle. It will protect you from the evil and sadistic murderer."

"To be safe, I would buy two personally."

"Or three would be even better."

"Come on, one and all!! Give us your money for your safety!!"

Some ponies looked skeptical and left, some looked disappointed since they couldn't afford it, but there were many ponies who stood on line. 
What idiots! This thing obviously didn't work.. if Apple Bloom made stupidity the only criteria for killing a pony, then there would be a giant pile of dead ponies in Ponyville. 

"Let's get on line", whispered Apple Bloom to Scootaloo.
Scootaloo nodded.

The two fillies were on the back of the line. Apple Bloom didn't have a thousand bits with her, but perhaps she could con the cons. Apple Bloom had the shrinking potions right in her saddlebag.
Also, how stupid could some of these ponies be? The things which came out of Flim and Flam's guns didn't even look like real bullets. The sound of the gunshot was admittedly plausible, but everything else was a sham. 

All of the ponies before Apple Bloom and Scootaloo on line bought their "murder-free tonics". Flim and Flam looked especially happy. They were making a lot of money off something which cost what.. $5 bucks at most. They were thieves. 

"Hello there, little fillies", said Flam, "I imagine that you value your safety."

"Why yes, we do", said Apple Bloom with a smile, "ah actually have a proposition for you."

"Oh, you're the little Apple filly", said Flim, "fooled your family twice.. why not a third time."

Condescending prick. 

"I have created an elixir which makes ponies immortal. Ah only give it to the finest of specimens such as yourselves. Ah mean... what sort of pony could so effectively sell such a sham of a potion for such a high fee? I don't think I can do that part myself, that's why I'm offering free samples."

"Free samples", said Flim with suspicion, "what's the catch?"

"Just a silly little filly", said Flam nonchalantly, "it's nothing. Sure, I'll take it for some laughs."

"Yes, indeed.. let's humor the little filly."

"Ah think we should do this somewhere more private", said Apple Bloom, "the Everfree Forest.. ah don't want any of these ponies to have my secret potion. Trust me... there will be a difference right away and every pony is going to want it."

Flim and Flam chuckled.

"You are quite the fool", said Flam, "I doubt being a salespony will be your profession.. for free?"

"Yes, for free", said Apple Bloom with a smile.

The more foolish the Flim Flam brothers thought she was, the easier it would be for Apple Bloom to destroy them. 

"C'mon, Scootaloo", said Apple Bloom, "we shall go to the Everfree Forest now!"

The four of them went to the Everfree Forest.

"My my", said Flim with a shudder, "this place is awfully dark and scary for blank flanks."

"Ah'm not scared", said Apple Bloom.

"The fool is not scared of much", commented Flam with an air. 

"Alright, drink up! I could join you if you..."

"I don't think you can handle immortality, sis", said Flim.

Flim and Flam took their 'immortality' potions and began to drink. 
The two charlatans shrank immediately. They were the size of beetles.

"Holy shit", squeaked Flim, "you tricked us, she-devil!"

"Let's get out of here", added Flam.

Flim and Flam tried to run away but Apple Bloom followed them and blocked their path with her front hooves.

"Where are you going to go anyway", asked Apple Bloom, "the world is an awfully dangerous place for ponies as small as you."

She picked them up with her mouth and threw them on a lone leaf.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stared down at Flim and Flam.

"Now, you're in your rightful place in the world, as bugs... your souls are just as pathetic as that of bugs.. if not more so", said Apple Bloom calmly, "now be prepared to meet the sole of my hoof."

"Yikes... ummm... look... we're sorry for wh-wh-whw-what we did to.... oh my gosh, brother, do something", shouted Flim.

"C'mon, little filly, when we are missing... the police are going to go right after you."

"How can they trace it back to me? Would they be looking for little bug unicorns anyway", said Apple Bloom.

"This is ridiculous", said Flam, "grow us back right now! Celestia will punish you.. I swear to that."

"Only if Celestia find out", said Apple Bloom with a smile, "ah've been real good at hiding my tracks so far."

"Shit....", said Flim with fear, "it's been you... you... are the monster."

"Ah'm no monster, ah'm an angel.. on a quest to get rid of the bad."

Flim and Flam tried to run away again, but Apple Bloom put her hoof down on Flam, crushing him into the ground. 

"Feels just like a bug", said Apple Bloom, "now, it's your turn, Flim. Scootaloo, would you like to do it?"

"I don't think I can", said Scootaloo, "crushing bugs is gross... you do it."

Flim looked defeated and screamed, "My brother is fucking dead!!! One of you kill me!! Please!! I shall die with the pleasure of knowing that you will rot in hell.. you rotten apple."

"Okay." Apple Bloom gingerly brought her hoof over Flim's body. He didn't move at all. He seemed to embrace death unlike a minute ago. His brother, Flam, must have met a lot to him. 

Apple Bloom put her hoof down on Flim, crushing his body into a bloody pulp. 

"There", said Apple Bloom, "it's done. Their tiny bodies will rot in the ground. There's not much else we need to do. Let's go home."

Scootaloo looked like she was getting sick. She ran to a nearby lake and threw up.

Apple Bloom knew this killing thing was a lot tougher for her two friends than it was for her. She needed to do what she could to keep their loyalty intact.

"You okay, Scoots?"

"Yea.. it's just.. ugh... crushed ponies. So gross. Do you mind washing your hooves before we leave?"

"Not a problem, Scootaloo." Apple Bloom jumped in the water and cleaned herself of any of Flim and Flam's remains. 

"Clean enough for you", asked Apple Bloom.

"Yea, you probably did a good job."

"Good. I wonder how Sweetie Belle did in her concert", said Apple Bloom, "let's get out of here."




Zero was deep in thought. Who could have done this? Now, there is a possibility that Flim and Flam have gone missing. Did they just run out of town like last time or was there some other reason? Time would tell.. given all that was going on, the latter definitely wasn't out of the realm of possibilities.

Zero had a plan - why not set up a trap for the murderer? Judging by the ponies who have been killed, it appears that the murderer has a desire to cleanse the world of the "undesirables": going after the ponies with very noticeable and detestable flaws. Why not do something which grabs the killer's attention? Something so ridiculous and cruel... then WHAM!! The killer will be brought into custody. Zero smiled. Most ponies, probably including the killer, would never suspect that Zero would be able to outwit them.

Zero sent a message to Twilight Sparkle, "Thinking of plan to catch the killer if he or she exists, need your help."  





"Scootaloo!! Apple Bloom!!!!', said Sweetie Belle in a cheerful mood, "look!! look!! look!!"

"What is it" ,asked Scootaloo.

"Oh my gosh", gasped Apple Bloom, "you got your cutie mark!"

Sweetie Belle indeed got her cutie mark. It was of a microphone. 

"I'm guessing the concert went well", said Scootaloo with a smile.

"You wouldn't believe it", said Sweetie Belle, "I wanna celebrate tonight with my two best friends in the whole world!"

Apple Bloom was happy for Sweetie Belle, but she couldn't help to feel a little jealous... when was Apple Bloom going to get her cutie mark? Was Sweetie Belle really that deserving? Apple Bloom needed to get these thoughts out of her mind. Sweetie Belle was not one of the "bad ponies". It was just perplexing that Sweetie got her cutie mark first. 

For now, Apple Bloom would just focus on having fun tonight. She needed a little fun before her next target. 

> Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Bloom was happy for her friend, Sweetie Belle, for getting her cutie mark.

"Ah bet it was the killing you did which got you your cutie mark", said Apple Bloom with a smile.
Sweetie Belle nervously laughed at the comment.

"You must have really killed in that concert", said Scootaloo.

"I must have", responded Sweetie Belle, "so, you two knocked off Flim and Flam?"

Apple Bloom nodded. 

"This is never going to end, huh", asked Sweetie Belle nervously.

"Not until I successfully improve Equestrian through my cleansing", said Apple Bloom, "you two are gonna love my next targets."

"Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?", asked Scootaloo.

"Eeyup, tomorrow shall be their death day."

"Umm", said Sweetie Belle, "this could turn out real bad, you know. They come from some mighty and influential families."

"No shit this could turn out real bad", snapped Apple Bloom at Sweetie Belle, "ah'm taking something that is called a risk. Ah will cover my tracks like usual. Don't you want to see those two brats dead?"

"I do..but..."
Sweetie Belle suddenly broke down in tears.

"I don't want to be a murderer anymore", cried Sweetie Belle, "it's awful."
Scootaloo went by Sweetie Belle's side to comfort her.

Some ponies aren't quite as cut out for this killing thing than others, thought Apple Bloom.

"They are Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon", said Apple Bloom, "the worst of the bunch. We are close to done with the killings."
That was a lie admittedly. Apple Bloom knew many more who would be better off dead.

"I'll have to think about it", said Sweetie Belle with a sniffle.
No use trying to pressure Sweetie Belle. That would only make things worse.

"No worries", said Apple Bloom, "I would love for you to join me, but if you don't want to, you don't have to. If you do, meet me at the CMC clubhouse at 9 am. Scootaloo, you'll be there, right?"

"Hell yea! Let's give those bitches what they deserve."

Sweetie Belle sighed.

"Hey, Sweetie", said Apple Bloom, "you should be so happy right now. You got your cutie mark."

"I know", said Sweetie Belle, "keep in mind I got it when I didn't join you in whatever mad scheme you had for Flim and Flam."

That was true. Apple Bloom learned something that moment. Sweetie Belle never supported the cause. She simply thought it would help her get her cutie mark. Sweetie Belle was one of the good ones, but Apple Bloom would have to take certain action if Sweetie Belle tried to betray her. However, Apple Bloom needed to be as kind as possible to Sweetie Belle. It would decrease the chances of betrayal.

"You sang plenty of times before", argued Apple Bloom, "maybe the killings helped."

"Maybe."

"Alright girls", said Apple Bloom, "ah need to be up bright and early tomorrow for preparations. I hope to see you both at the clubhouse tomorrow."

"You can count on me", said Scootaloo.

"This is going to be so much fun", said Apple Bloom, "consider it redemption for all the times they would bully us for being blank flanks. One of us isn't even a blank flank anymore."

The three fillies went their separate ways.

Apple Bloom kept the guns Flim and Flam used at their show in her saddlebag. Apple Bloom just needed to find bullets.





The rooster crowed. Time to get up.
Apple Bloom was full of energy. Everything was all set, as long as Scootaloo showed up.
Apple Bloom wanted Sweetie Belle there too, but it wasn't necessary for this plan.

Apple Bloom got out of bed and noticed something interesting on herself.
Could it be?
Oh my, it was!!

Apple Bloom got her cutie mark!!
It was one black apple. It symbolized death. 
When an apple got that color, it meant that it was poisoned and inedible. 
This was a sign. A sign that killing the ponies who deserved death was Apple Bloom's destiny.
This was confirmation that Apple Bloom's mission was just.
How would her family interpret this though?
It didn't matter. It's not like a pony chooses his or her cutie mark anyway.

Apple Bloom managed to find real bullets at the barn.
The Apples had a rifle for protecting the family from any danger.
It was never used and it wouldn't be used for this murder. Apple Bloom was fortunate that the bullets were compatible with the pistols. 
This day was already perfect. Apple Bloom got her cutie mark due to her mission. Now she needed to finish what she started.

Apple Bloom arrived at the clubhouse and was pleased to see that Scootaloo was already there. No Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom noticed that Scootaloo also got her cutie mark. It wasn't a dark apple. It was a scooter, just a scooter.

"Wow", cheered Apple Bloom, "you got your cutie mark, I see. Congrats! You're awfully good on that scooter. Ah saw it first hoof many times."

"Thanks, Bloom. Congrats on your cutie mark. It looks interesting."

"It is a dark apple. In Apple family folklore, the dark apple symbolizes death."

"Certainly worked for you then, huh."

"Eeyup."

"So, how are we killing them,"

"Have you ever used a gun before?"

"Oh yea, my deadbeat alcoholic dad taught me when he could stay sober for fifteen minutes."

"Good, you're probably a better shot than me."

"How are we gonna shoot them without getting caught?"

"It's a nice warm day out. Ah bet that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon will be hanging out by the pool in Diamond Tiara's backyard. There's a nice tree we can climb and then aim...fire. Shoot them and they don't even know we were there."

"Err... These are pistols", said Scootaloo looking at the guns, "not exactly sniper guns."

"We gotta be careful."

"It's gonna be tough", said Scootaloo, "but maybe I could steal my dad's sniper rifle. He used to be in the Army before he became a loser."

"A couple problems with that plan", said Apple Bloom, "where would we store that gun afterwards? Your dad will know you stole it and we're in trouble. Sorry Scoots, I can't risk it."

"I got pretty good aim", said Scootaloo, "if we are close enough, I think I could do it with one of those pistols. Put bullets right in their heads."

"Good, cuz we're climbing that big tree right off Diamond Tiara's property", said Apple Bloom, "that should be good enough, right?"

"I think so."

"Ah guess Sweetie Belle isn't coming."

"Maybe she's running late."

"If she is, we can't wait for her much longer."

They waited another half hour for Sweetie Belle. She didn't show up. It was time to rid the world of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.




Apple Bloom and Scootaloo climbed up the tree off of 14 Mansion Path (Diamond Tiara's address). She lived such a privileged lifestyle. Was that why Diamond Tiara was such a bitch? It didn't matter much. She and her friend would be dead soon enough.

They waited about an hour.
Apple Bloom was nervous. No pony was gonna catch them, right?
The worst thing that could happen was some pegasus catching them in the act. 
Scootaloo would probably have been extra embarrassed if it was Rainbow Dash.

Apple Bloom gulped. There were Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"I am actually kind of excited to go back to school on Monday", said Diamond Tiara, "picking on loser blank flanks make my day."

"Oh, Tiara", chuckled Silver Spoon, "you're such a dork. Liking school, heh."

"Maybe the killer will kill them by Monday."

"That's an awful thing to say", responded Silver Spoon with a surprising tone of indignation, "wishing other ponies dead is awful. Besides, Sweetie Belle is no longer a blank flank."

"Huh? Oh, right.. You two are singing nerds."

"I saw her get her cutie mark right after the concert. Poor filly. She was so nervous about getting on stage. I told her to believe in herself and that I believed in her. Sweetie Belle rocked it. Carried the whole concert by herself."

"I don't care", groaned Diamond Tiara, "she's still a fucking crybaby loser. I can find other ways to make her life miserable."

"You're so cruel sometimes."




Scootaloo looked over to Apple Bloom for some kind of cue when to shoot.

"When you think you have a good shot", whispered Apple Bloom to Scootaloo.




"Your attitude is going to get you in real trouble some day", said Silver Spoon.

"Me", exclaimed Diamond Tiara with a chilling laugh, "my daddy is a billionaire. He can get me out of any trouble.

"This killer... I think I know who it is. I..talked to Sweetie Belle yesterday and..."

"Huh, what does that wimp know?"

"I think the killer is...", began Silver Spoon.
However, she heard a bang. 

"RUN", shouted Silver Spoon. Silver Spoon bolted out of the backyard but it was too late for Diamond Tiara. The bullet went right into Diamond Tiara's head. Oh my gosh... Sweetie Belle must have been telling the truth... Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom killed Diamond Tiara. Sweetie Belle saved Silver Spoon's life and tried to save Diamond Tiara's life.
Diamond Tiara was dead and Silver Spoon simply wanted to cry at her best friend's body, but that was too dangerous.

Silver Spoon would visit Sweetie Belle.





"Damn", grumbled Apple Bloom, "we missed Silver Spoon."

Scootaloo would never admit it to Apple Bloom, but after hearing about what Silver Spoon did to help Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo deliberately aimed the pistol to not shoot Silver Spoon. Scootaloo could have shot Silver Spoon easily. In fact, from where they were sitting, Silver Spoon was the easier target. However, Scootaloo could kill Diamond Tiara, but not Silver Spoon. 
One pony who was in real trouble though was Sweetie Belle. She definitely gave Silver Spoon advance notice. Scootaloo sighed. Neither Sweetie Belle nor Silver Spoon would be able to outwit whatever the murder-loving genius filly had planned for them.

"Wasn't expecting Silver Spoon to notice so quickly", said Scootaloo. That part was true.

"Sweetie Belle", said Apple Bloom sadly, "she betrayed us. I don't know what to do. She has aided and abetted an undesirable."

"What do you plan to do?"

"I have to think about it, Scootaloo. This is really disappointing. I didn't realize how stupid Sweetie Belle was. She knows what I am capable of."

Scootaloo sighed and said, "maybe now is the time to stop the killings."

"Can I trust you", said Apple Bloom with an almost-frantic tone, "or are you gonna betray me like she did?"

"I knew nothing about this, I swear."

"Ah believe you. Those two plotted this at their little concert. Let's get out of here."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo climbed down the tree and avoided detection.

Apple Bloom was terrified. Diamond Tiara was dead, but Apple Bloom was in danger. For all she knew, Sweetie Belle was talking to the police right now. Apple Bloom didn't want to tell Scootaloo, but Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon would both have to die as soon as possible for Apple Bloom to keep up with her mission.

Apple Bloom needed to think of how... Hmmmmm... She did know of a good assassin. She visited Ponyville once. Maybe she would visit Ponyville again. Apple Bloom did take the money that Flim and Flam earned from their last show. That should be enough compensation to get the assassin into Ponyville sooner rather than later. 



Apple Bloom found a pay phone and dialed a number.

"Hello?"

"What do you want, dweeb,"

"Ah need your help. Meet me at Ponyville train station. I have 50,000 bits."

"You're shitting me, right?"

"I, Apple Bloom, would never do that."

"You better have the money. I'll be there right away, dweeb."

Yes, this would all work according to plan.






 

> Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Bloom hurried to the Ponyville train station to meet one of the most skilled assassins in all of Equestria.
This assassin wasn't a pony, but a griffon by the name of Gilda.
Killing was considered more socially acceptable amongst griffons than ponies. 
Griffons regularly hired assassins to get rid of those they wanted dead. 

Gilda was one of the most skilled. 

Thankfully, Gilda was there when Apple Bloom arrived.

"You got my money", asked Gilda.

"Ah sure do, fifty thousand bits. I'm gonna give you the money now as an incentive. If you don't do what I ask, ah might just have to kill you."

Gilda shuddered. She was aware of all the ponies who had gone missing and were killed recently. The little sociopath standing in front of her would have no qualms about killing her. 

"Who are the targets?"

"Two fillies. Ah have their pictures here."

Gilda saw the pictures of a grey fancy-looking filly with glasses and a white unicorn filly with a bright smile. Gilda didn't always like her job. They were little fillies. Gilda wanted to tell Apple Bloom that she couldn't do it, but the money was awfully tempting, besides if GIlda said no, Apple Bloom would probably kill her. 

"They are against what I stand for", said Apple Bloom coolly, "do you think you are up to the task?"

"Yea", responded Gilda, "I'll rip them to shreds."

"Good", said Apple Bloom, "that's exactly what ah wanted to hear from you. Now, go out there and rip them apart."

Gilda flew away.

Apple Bloom sighed with relief. Once Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon were killed, she would be okay. Apple Bloom could continue on with her destiny without any problem. Two fillies were no match for a powerful griffon.





Sweetie Belle couldn't stop crying. She was so distraught by everything. She had decided that she hated Apple Bloom and everything that Apple Bloom made her do. Sweetie Belle silently hoped that she saved the lives of Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. They weren't all bad, especially Silver Spoon. If it wasn't for Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle would have never gotten her cutie mark.

Sweetie Belle heard a knock on the door. She was scared that it was Apple Bloom. 
But then she heard a, "please let me in, I don't want to hurt you". It was Silver Spoon.

Sweetie Belle opened up the door and Silver Spoon rushed in. She looked incredibly distraught.

"Oh, Sweetie Belle", cried Silver Spoon, "you were right. You were most absolutely right. Diamond Tiara is... she is.... dead... I made it out alive.. but...."

"Oh no."

"I am grateful to you, Sweetie, for saving my life. I would have been dead if I didn't get that advance notice. I tried to warn Diamond Tiara... but she wouldn't listen to me...I am sorry for all the mean things I did.. I was honestly probably too much of a follower."

"It's okay", said Sweetie Belle putting one front hoof around Silver Spoon, "I've been spending too much time following Apple Bloom."

"We need to get Apple Bloom behind bars. Tell the police."

"Easier said than done", said Sweetie Belle, "we need to be real careful. Apple Bloom is a genius. She will figure out how to kill us before we get there, guaranteed."

"Yes, that's probably true", said Silver Spoon, "but we need to fight whatever comes our way. We can't simply sit around and wait for our deaths. The advantage we have over all the others who have been killed is that we're pretty damn sure that Apple Bloom is going to kill us."

"You're right", said Sweetie Belle with a smile, "but... I hope Scootaloo can stay safe. She's still tagging along with Apple Bloom, but she's more like me than Apple Bloom."

"My father is an attorney", responded Silver Spoon, "he'll take care of everything."

"Okay, I'll call the police now." Sweetie Belle went to the house phone and began dialing 911 but suddenly a window broke. 
In flew a griffon who flew straight at Silver Spoon. 

Silver Spoon let out a shriek, but it was too late. The griffon opened Silver Spoon's body with her talons. Silver Spoon was dead.

Sweetie Belle shrieked and jumped out the window of her house. She ran as fast as she could, but the griffon was catching up to her. 

"SOMEPONY HELP ME!! PLEASE SOMEPONY HELP ME!!!", yelled Sweetie Belle. She ran through the town square.
It was the middle of the night, but some lights were turning on in buildings. The griffon was getting closer and closer. 

Sweetie Belle cowered into a ball, expecting death. But suddenly, she heard a bird-like shriek. The griffon fell down to the ground and was killed upon impact. 

Sweetie Belle looked up and saw a gray, expressionless mare holding a rock gun. It was Maud Pie, Pinkie Pie's sister.

Sweetie Belle was so grateful. She ran to Maud and jumped on her with an embrace. 
While Maud was uncomfortable with the sudden touch, she reciprocated by joining Sweetie Belle in the embrace.

"Thank you, Maud, how can I repay you", cheered Sweetie Belle.

"No need", said Maud, "please stay with me and Pinkie. We'll keep you safe."

Sweetie Belle went to Sugarcube Corner with Maud. She hoped that they would be safe from Apple Bloom.





Apple Bloom was in her room. She hoped that Gilda did what she asked. Silver Spoon was one of the enemies. Poor Sweetie Belle.. she was never supposed to be on the list, but Sweetie Belle stopped a killing from happening. That was disgraceful and showed that Sweetie Belle could not be trusted. 

Apple Bloom turned on the television and saw, "BREAKING NEWS".

A pegasus stallion, named Meteor Maverick, was standing outside of Sweetie Belle's house.

"Meteor Maverick here, and we have another unfortunate story to tell."

Apple Bloom giggled with glee.

"We found the dead body of Silver Spoon, a filly in the fourth grade, which adds to the far-too-long list of victims in this house. Her body was ripped open by a griffon, presumably Gilda the Griffon. Gilda was killed after chasing Sweetie Belle, another filly, around Ponyville. The hero of the day is Maud Pie, sister of Pinkie Pie, who happened to have a rock gun which she used to shoot down Gilda. Sweetie Belle is still alive, but, for confidentiality reasons, we will not disclose where Sweetie Belle is hiding."

Apple Bloom growled at the TV. How the hell could Gilda have failed like that? She was happy that Silver Spoon was dead, but Sweetie Belle was somewhere probably spilling the beans on everything. Apple Bloom needed to go into hiding. Run out of Ponyville. 
When the world sees that Equestria is a better place after the murders, Apple Bloom would become a hero for what she had done. 

A lot of dead bodies because of Apple Bloom. Snails, Angel, Opalesence, Snips, Jet Set, Upper Crust, Blueblood, Flam, Flim, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Gilda. Apple Bloom saw the following. She got rid of a mentally deficient colt, a mean and spoiled bunny, a grumpy cat, another mentally deficient colt, two blowhard snobs who even their circle of peers despised, an arrogant prince, two con artists, a sociopathic brat, a follower of a sociopathic brat, and a griffon assassin. 

It wasn't like that she was killing good ponies.. well.. there was her attempt at killing Sweetie Belle. That would be the thing which could destroy Apple Bloom's legacy, but Sweetie Belle was still alive and Sweetie was trying to sabotage the mission.

Apple Bloom was getting ready to pack up and sneak out of town, but she saw something else on the television.

"TOWN HALL ROOF SEVERLY DAMAGED"

"Hello all, Meteor Maverick speaking, town hall has been damaged again. A pegasus mare kept bumping into the roof of town hall while delivering mail and caused some horrendous damage. The roof is largely open and Town Hall has been deemed unusable until repairs by the Mayor. This appears to be accidental and no charges will be pursued. However, Derpy Hooves... you're so damn clumsy. Your stupidity knows no bounds, does it?"

Ah, Derpy: the dim-witted wall-eyed mare who delivered the mail. 
She was certainly too stupid to live. It wouldn't be too hard to kill Derpy. 

Apple Bloom had decided. Once Derpy was killed, Apple Bloom was going to leave Ponyville.
Apple Bloom was going to Sugarcube Corner to buy some muffins. 

> Derpy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Bloom managed to perk up at the thought of killing another undesirable.
Yes, this would be the last time the little filly would be in Ponyville for some time.

She didn't need that traitor Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo for this kill. It was going to be just as easy as it was to kill Snails in Froggy Bog Pond. 


Apple Bloom was amused by the news. It seemed that many ponies were thinking that Gilda could have been the one who killed all of those 'innocent' ponies. Innocent my ass, thought Apple Bloom. They deserved to die. It was insulting to say that Apple Bloom's brilliant plan was executed by a griffon who couldn't even kill a wimpy filly right. Absolutely insulting. Apple Bloom went from amused to irritated in a second. 

She ran out of the house, but then she heard somepony.. her sister.

"Apple Bloom", said Applejack, "ah don't think you should be going outside. There's a murderer on the loose."

"I'm not afraid of that murderer", said Apple Bloom with a smile, "ah think I can handle her on my own. Wasn't it Gilda?"

"It might have been", said Applejack, "but I reckon that Gilda wasn't the mastermind behind all the killings. I bet that Gilda was hired by a real dangerous pony - the kind who doesn't give a damn about any pony's life, including yours, Bloom."

"Don't worry about me, sis."

"Ah think I have to worry about you."

Apple Bloom groaned and said, "I'm a big girl. I have my cutie mark."

"That's another thing", said Applejack, "how in tarnation did you get that cutie mark? You heard Granny's tales.. haven't you?"

"I don't know, AJ", said Apple Bloom not hiding her irritation, "maybe it means something better than what are in Granny's tales."

The dark apple... yes... it meant death. Applejack was right; it meant exactly what was in Granny's stories.

"You are staying inside, missy."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes at her sister and went back inside.

Apple Bloom briefly considered using a sleep potion to knock her sister out, but Apple Bloom only needed to use the shrinking potion on herself. She would drink enough of it that she would be tiny for an half hour, enough time to make a good portion of the trek from Sweet Apple Acres to Sugarcube Corner. 

Yes, it was far too easy to fool her sister... hell, it was far too easy to fool any pony. 

Apple Bloom drank the potion and shrank to the size of a beetle. She scurried out of the house and made her way out of Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack had no clue what was going on. She was working on the farm, probably thinking that her little sister was going to stay put. Apple Bloom was far gone from the obedient and dutiful little sister of Applejack. 

Apple Bloom was glad she brought the syringes with her, because a giant bird approached her. The bird was about ready to pick up Apple Bloom with its beak for a meal. However, Apple Bloom threw the syringe right into the bird's chest. Stupid bird. It died instantly. 
Nobody tries to fuck around with Apple Bloom and gets away with it. Apple Bloom would have shrunk the bird and taken it home as a meal for herself, but unfortunately the poisoned bird would have killed Apple Bloom if she tried to eat it. What a shame... it would have been justice served for real. A dead bird was good enough.

Apple Bloom needed to stop grinning at the dead bird and make it to her target location. She continued running to town square. Shit... the half hour was almost up and she wasn't even out of Sweet Apple Acres yet. Apple Bloom ran as fast as she ever ran. She couldn't let Applejack see her, no way. However, the earth pony filly was the smartest and luckiest pony in all of Equestria. She got far enough from Sweet Apple Acres by the time she grew back to normal size. Apple Bloom trotted confidently to Sugarcube Corner.  

Apple Bloom saw Pinkie Pie was at the register with her goofy grin.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, what can I get for you?"

"Ah would like twelve muffins please."

"Twelve muffins, ooh ooh, are you having a party?"

"Not quite."

"What kind of muffins?"

"Blueberry."

"I love blueberry muffins! Omigosh!! Maybe you should throw a party.. oh we can have a muffin party, it will be the absolute best!! You certainly can't eat all of those muffins yourself, right?"

"Maybe."

"Ooh ooh, that is something I would love to see. Apple Bloom, with the scary looking cutie mark, eating twelve muffins in one sitting. Ohmigosh. Let's get a whole show together!! Maybe Derpy can be a judge.... she loves muffins so much too... aren't muffins the best? I actually like them almost as much as cupcakes... but cupcakes are extra sweet and...."

Apple Bloom had enough. Her body was consumed with rage over Pinkie's pointless jabbering, especially given the purpose of the muffins. 

"Jesus fucking Christ", yelled Apple Bloom, "can you please shut up and get me my goddamn muffins!?!?!?!?!"

"Okie dokie lokie!"

Apple Bloom paid twenty four bits for the muffins and walked off with them in a bag.
She sighed. Pinkie had really gotten on her nerves. What if she deserved to be on the list too? But that was for another day, Derpy was the target for now.

Derpy was retarded. This would be easy, thought Apple Bloom with a giggle. She hoped that the mailmare at least knew how to read. 

Apple Bloom wrote a note for Derpy and left it at her door: 

The note said, "I have twelve delicious muffins for you. They are in the Everfree Forest."

Apple Bloom then went to the Everfree Forest and placed the bag of muffins by a tree with a sign that said, "FOR DERPY". Apple Bloom then took her syringe and injected each muffin with a bit of poison. Derpy would only need to eat one and she would be dead. Apple Bloom smiled, this would be genius. She hid behind a bush.

Despite the betrayal, despite the mishaps, it was moments like these which reminded Apple Bloom why she enjoyed killing undesirable ponies. A pony as trusting and dim-witted as Derpy wouldn't think twice about the muffins in the Everfree Forest.

Apple Bloom had to contain her excitement when she saw Derpy had indeed come to the Everfree Forest.
Derpy saw the bag of muffins and sniffed the bag.
She grinned making a happy MMMMMM sound. 

Apple Bloom was ready to see Derpy fall to the ground in an instant. It wouldn't matter that the murder would be traced to Apple Bloom. She would be out of Ponyville by the time any pony figured it out.

Derpy ate a muffin, and then another, and then another, and then another.

Wait.. something was wrong. Why wasn't Derpy dying? This was the same poison that killed Jet Set, Upper Crust, a giant bird, and some old sick farm animals instantly. Apple Bloom poisoned the muffins, right?

Derpy had an insatiable appetite for the muffins. She finished them up and was still alive. She said aloud, "thank you, mysterious muffin giver!"

Apple Bloom was pissed. She blurted out, "you were supposed to die, you fucking retard!!!"

Derpy perked up and walked over to the bush. Was Apple Bloom in trouble? Oh shit.
She bolted out of the bush, but then Derpy yelled, "Zero, I think I found the killer!!!"

Who the fuck was zero? Obviously, someone with zero intelligence if it was trying to punish a good pony.

"Okie dokie lokie!!"

Pinkie Pie appeared. Apple Bloom tried to bolt out, but she was pinned down by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle who popped out of the bushes.

"I told you guys my plan would work", said Pinkie Pie with a cheer.

"B-b-b--b-but.. I poisoned those muffins."

"You did", asked Derpy clearly surprised, "those muffins were so damn good."

"We had a feeling you would poison the muffins", said Pinkie Pie, "well, not you specifically.. but whoever was the murderer." 

"Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle killed too", cried Apple Bloom, "it wasn't only me!!"

"For their cooperation, we granted them immunity", Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both grinned.

"Ah gotta ask", said Apple Bloom nervously, "how did you stop the poison?"

"Twilight Sparkle", said Pinkie Pie, "she knows a spell that blocks the poison which you used to kill Jet Set and Upper Crust. I've been watching the murders very closely. You were awfully good at covering your tracks, but I have been observing you when you weren't killing."

"Huh."

"I knew something had changed about you. The rest of the world was fearful and you were going in the opposite direction. Every underhanded kill you made boosted your confidence to extremes. My gut feeling from the start was that you were the killer. I couldn't prove it, but I knew it had to be you ... the emotional manipulation, the poisonings, the careful brilliance, the cold executions.. you fit the profile perfectly. To avoid suspicion, I took on a secret identity: Zero. Twilight knew that these disappearances were murders too... but she's not a pony for hunches.. so she wasn't suspecting anypony... so I played Zero and sent information to Twilight. The two of us put our brains together and we knew that it had to be you. Then there were Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.. they looked like they were hiding secrets, secrets they wanted to let out. There, luck admittedly struck. I guess Sweetie Belle already betrayed you, so you tried to kill her... but my sister, Maud, killed Gilda, and took Sweetie Belle in. She didn't even need any prodding to spill the beans. It was Sweetie Belle's idea to use Derpy as a trap actually. We told her to destroy town hall and... I remember Sweetie Belle was telling me, "I bet Bloom is going to poison Derpy's muffins"... and you know what, it was right and we caught you, the murderer!!"

Apple Bloom felt the rage completely consume her body. She felt like she was going to burst into flames. How could these dimwits have outwitted her? Especially the idiots of society such as Sweetie Belle and Derpy Hooves and Pinkie Pie...

"Fine", said Apple Bloom in a crazed tone, "y'all caught me, but you know what! I am doing some goddamn good for society. All of you ponies are goodie goodies who let the most despicable and useless and awful of specimens roam free without any consequences. All ah wanted to do was make the world a better place! You will all be telling me pretty soon that the world is better without Snips and Snails, without Angel Bunny, without Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.. without all of the ones I killed. Yes, I did it. I have no problem admitting my desire to change the world. Now, if you don't mind.. ah'm gonna go in the lake over there and drown myself."

"I don't think you're going to do that", said Pinkie, "you will come with us instead."

"Some pony just fucking kill me", shouted Apple Bloom, "come on, one of you goddamn cowards, kill me!!!!!!! I killed so many of our kind without a problem. If you think the world is a better place without me, just kill me!!"

Apple Bloom then began to laugh hysterically and said, "Oh, you ponies are too scared to kill me. You all know what ah am capable of. I'm smarter, stronger, and faster than any of you. If ah wanted to, I could kill each of you right now without a problem. You know that. Right? I am fucking invincible!!"

Suddenly, Apple Bloom was whacked on the head and knocked unconscious. Scootaloo did the job with her scooter. 





Let them take you to Tartarus. I promise you that you won't regret doing so.
Apple Bloom heard the voice in her head. 
What was that voice? 
 Let the hatred consume you, child 
She heard laughter and everything went black.





Apple Bloom woke up in a dark and stony room.
She saw an old baboon who wore a cape within her line of sight.

"Child", said the baboon, "welcome to Tartarus."

Apple Bloom groaned. Was everything over? Was she dead?

"Am I dead", whispered Apple Bloom.

"No", responded the baboon, "you are as alive as ever. I am so glad to finally meet you. Apple Bloom, you must be my daughter."

"Your daughter?"

"Yes, indeed", said the baboon with a laugh, "I have heard about your deeds and your cutie mark alone is enough proof for me to know that this is true. I am Tirek."

Apple Bloom barely recognized Tirek in his smaller and weaker form. Yes, he did almost destroy the world. Apple Bloom admired Tirek and his ruthlessness. She was glad to know that he was her father rather than that dullard farmer.

"Daddy Tirek", said Apple Bloom with a sweet smile, "it's great to finally meet you, too bad we are in this horrible place."

"My daughter", said Tirek softly, "why don't we get out of this hellhole? I heard you are a mighty good killer."

"Yes ah am", said Apple Bloom, "one dead three-headed dog later and we will be free."

"Perfect."

To be continued??