> Sour Sweet Scrappers > by Nico-Stone Rupan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: The Challenge (2ND Person) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the reliefs from the dullness of fourth period is the essay assignments. Considering the types of students who attend Crystal Prep Academy, the results are always guaranteed to be pretty entertaining. Today, you were all supposed to compose a persuasive argument for the topic of your choice. You were not disappointed. “… and that’s why Che Guevara was the greatest, most gorgeous man ever to live and why we should all follow his example of locking those who practice individualism up into forced-labor camps,” Starlight Glimmer beams as she concludes her essay recitation. She then pinches the opposite hems of her skirt and curtsies for the class. “Thank you! Any questions?” Part of you wants to ask how calling someone “greatest” and “most gorgeous” fits into her usual philosophy of equality. Then again, Starlight’s daily hypocrisy and contradictions were so numerous that it would just get exhausting if one attempted to point them all out. The bell rings. Everyone gets up to head to lunch. You then suddenly notice that Sour Sweet has a rather confused look on her face. “Sour, what’s wrong?” “I… I don’t know,” she says as you two walk out together into the hall. “Something strange happened back there. While I was listening to everyone else’s essays, I was coming up with insults for each and every one.” “Well, no offense, but that’s pretty normal for you, Sour,” you admit. “But I didn’t say them out loud. That’s the point! Like when Starlight opened for questions, I wanted to ask, ‘I bet you diddle yourself to Che T-shirts, don’t you?’ or when Tree Hugger was talking about all the hallucinogenic drugs she wanted to be legalized, I wanted to blurt, ‘It must be so lovely to view hallucinating as a luxury. Check your mental privilege!’ But I didn’t. I didn’t say anything!” A big smile begins to form on your face. “Sour, are you saying that you were displaying self-control?” Sour Sweet’s eyes widen in shock. “I-is that what I was doing? Is this what it’s like to NOT insult people? Holy crap, it feels so weird!” You instantly give Sour Sweet a warm, celebratory hug. “Sour Sweet, I’m so proud of you.” Sour Sweet melts in your arms and returns the hug, snuggling her face into your shoulder. “No public displays of affection in the halls.” The two of you immediately part at the sharp tone to find yourselves under the disapproving gaze of Principal Cinch. Such a sight isn’t unusual, but the presence of the two Wondercolts behind her is. Applejack and Fluttershy are holding a couple of boxes of apples each. Well, to be precise, Applejack is holding boxes and Fluttershy is struggling to hold them. “What are those horse girls doing here?” Sour Sweet asks. “Is it truly necessary ta call us that?” Applejack asks, irritated. “Th-that’s just Sour Sw-sweet’s term of en-endearment for us, Appleja-jack,” Fluttershy clarifies while doing her best to handle the weight of the apples. “They’re only here to make a delivery to the cafeteria,” Cinch says with an undertone of reluctance. “I thought the Academy unnecessarily imported its apples from some overly-expensive, posh French orchard,” you say. Cinch’s face scrunches up with displeasure. “That company has recently changed some policies regarding just who they allow to place orders. Apparently, grade-school Academies, regardless of superb reputation, were determined to be beneath them to give their apples to. Therefore, until another suitable supplier is found, Crystal Prep will have to settle for local.” Needless to say, Cinch’s last three words makes Applejack begin to steam up. However, she still bites her tongue lest she go off on a paying customer. “Come along, the cafeteria is this way,” Cinch instructs as she leads Applejack down the hall. Fluttershy was about to follow, until you get in her way. “Hey, let me get those for you,” you offer. “Oh, n-no, I-I’m al-alright,” Fluttershy claims, her arms shaking as if they are just about to give out. “Let me at least get one,” you persist. Fluttershy finally gives a nod to this. You remove the top box. Immediately, you can see the relief in Fluttershy’s expression with the loss of weight. “Fluttershy, why are you helping Applejack with her deliveries?” Sour Sweet asks. “No offense, but you look like you’d get winded bench pressing a twig.” “Oh, you know, I just wanted to help out a friend, heh-heh,” Fluttershy replies nervously. At that moment, Big Mac passes by, effortlessly holding a tall stack of apple boxes. “Comin’ Fluttershy?” he asks. Fluttershy blushes and nods. “Y-yes.” You see Sour Sweet taking note of her reaction and smirking. Big Mac takes off down the hallway as you, Sour Sweet, and Fluttershy trail behind. Sour Sweet nudges Fluttershy’s arm. “So, that’s the reason, huh? Trying to cozy up with Applejack’s brother, are we?” Fluttershy’s eyes shift. “Wh-what are you talking about? I-I’m doing anything like that.” “Flutters, you don’t have to try to get into the Apple Family through their business. Woman up and just ask him out already!” “Oh, I’m afraid I’m up against stiff competition, Sour Sweet,” Fluttershy sighs. “Pinkie Pie’s sister, Marble, seems to like Big Mac and the Crusaders even once tried to set him and Miss Cheerilee up for Valentine’s Day. Sure it was misguided since they are a student and a teacher, but after graduation who knows what could happen?” “They can’t compare to you, Fluttershy. I’d like to see Marble and Cheerilee save the entire world three freakin’ times.” “Yeah, go for it, Fluttershy,” you chime in, giving her an encouraging smile. “If you never try for it, you could end up wondering what could have been.” Fluttershy cracks a small smile as you three are about to pass a corner. “Yeah, maybe you guys are right. Maybe I could –” Suddenly, Fluttershy cries out in surprise and drops down. Her box drops as well, the apples spilling out all over the hall floor. Big Mac halts to look back. You and Sour Sweet whip your heads over to see Gilda leaning against the other side on the corner with her foot out and a smug smirk on her face. “Yeah, you better bow down, Wondercolt!” Gilda laughs over the fact that Fluttershy happened to land on her hands and knees. “You’re on sacred ground now!” “Gilda, what the hell?!” you find yourself yelling in anger. “Butt out, dweeb,” Gilda warns as she squats down to level her fierce eyes with the misty ones of Fluttershy. “I was hoping I’d see you again. I bet you felt high and mighty sucker punching me outside your psycho ward, didn’t you? Well, I’m ready for you this time. I want you to meet me at the city park today at four o’clock, understand? We’re going to have a real fight.” “What’s goin’ on?” Big Mac asks as he walks back over. “Nothing that concerns nobody but us two,” Gilda states, still glaring at the terror-filled Fluttershy. “Remember, four o’clock.” With that, Gilda shoots back up and casually strolls down the hall. Sour Sweet extends her hands to help the shaken Fluttershy back up. Your rage beginning to subside, you realize that Sour Sweet never once said a word during that whole scene. She actually looks rather calm. You would have expected her to lash out as she had so many times before over way smaller incidents. Perhaps she truly has mastered self-control? “Alright, Fluttershy?” Big Mac asks. Fluttershy, still holding back tears, nods. “Y-yes. I-I’m so sorry about the apples.” “They can be washed,” Big Mac noted, a small hint of sympathy protruding from his usually calm voice. **************** Another school day at Crystal Prep Academy ends with the ring of a bell. Of course, the events of earlier were still on your mind. You and Sour Sweet had helped Fluttershy and Big Mac pick up and wash off all the apples which were spilled. By the time you finally made it to the cafeteria to complete the delivery, Principal Cinch was rather peeved. She even made a backhanded accusation that you four were lazily lollygagging in the halls. You and Sour Sweet then said your goodbyes as Applejack, Big Mac, and Fluttershy had to return to Canterlot High before the lunch period ended. You two had barely enough time to eat yourselves thanks to Gilda. Before Fluttershy left, however, you noticed Sour Sweet going over and whispering something in her ear. “I just don’t know where Gilda gets off acting the way she does,” you fume as you two walk out the front doors. "Do you think there is any particular reason for it?" “I don't know, but perhaps her attitude will be made to change soon. Veeeerrry soon.” “Well, at least Fluttershy seemed to be okay. Imagine her getting into a fight. It’s ridiculous that Gilda thought she would really show –” You stop as you spot a nervous Fluttershy stepping off a city bus. “Wait, what’s Fluttershy doing back here?” Sour Sweet laughs nervously. “Oh, Fluttershy and I are going to go do some shopping together. Girl time, you know?” “Oh, okay,” you say. You begin to think that something is up, but try to ignore those thoughts. You trust Sour Sweet not to do anything stupid. You just hope you’re not being naïve about that… You kiss your girlfriend goodbye and begin your way home as Sour Sweet goes over to meet with Fluttershy. > Chapter 2: The Angel of Peace > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Sour Sweet, why did we have to meet in front of Crystal Prep instead of the mall?” Fluttershy asked, timidly keeping an eye out. “Gilda could come after me again here.” “Gilda isn’t here and we're not going to the mall. She's at the city park and that’s where we're going to be as well.” Fluttershy clasped her hands over her mouth to stifle a shriek, then blurted, “W-what?! No! No, no, no, no! We can’t! I can’t! G-Glida wants to beat me up there, Sour Sweet!” Sour Sweet smacked a fist into her other hand. “EXACTLY!!! IF GILDA WANTS A FIGHT, THEN WE ARE GOING TO GIVE IT TO HER AND FINALLY KICK HER FUCKING ASS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!!” “Sour Sweet, I am not going to fight anybody!” Fluttershy firmly declared. Sour Sweet threw her arms up. “Why the hell not?! You’ve done it before, Fluttershy!” “Sour Sweet, I hit Gilda only because of my anger problem! All of my bottled up frustrations just got took out on her. It was a mistake. If I could take it back, I would! I absolutely regret it!” “Fluttershy, Gilda challenged you. She humiliated you in front of Big Mac. That bitch needs to get what she deserves. NOW COME ON!!!” Sour Sweet forcefully grabbed the reluctant Fluttershy by the arm and dragged her away. **************** Canterlot City Park was usually a pristine and tranquil place to hang out, play, jog, or however residents wanted to enjoy the area. As the time neared four o’clock, though, the park took on an ominous tone for the two girls quickly walking through, searching for a third. Finally, they spotted her. Gilda was leaning against a tree next to the playground equipment. A smirk curled around the cigarette she was smoking as she spotted them coming. Fluttershy scanned the area, grateful she didn’t see any children currently around who would witness anything troubling. Gilda took out the cigarette, dropped it, and stomped on it. “Guess you aren’t as big of a pussy as you look! And you brought along Sour SWEAT to help you limp home, huh? Forward thinking! I like that.” “Gilda, I’m not going to – ” Fluttershy began. “YOU’RE THE ONE WHO’S GOING TO BE LIMPING AFTER WE’RE THROUGH WITH YOU!!!” Sour Sweet screamed, cutting Fluttershy off. Gilda smirked even wider. “Oh! Two on one, is this now? Fine by me!” Fluttershy took hold of Sour Sweet’s arm. “Sour, no! This isn’t the way to solve problems! We need to – ” Sour Sweet ripped her arm away and got right into Fluttershy’s face. “Fluttershy, if you don’t want to fight, then get out of the way. I, for one, am SICK AND TIRED of Gilda’s bullshit. She needs some bitch smacked out of her, and if I have to do it alone, I will.” With that, Sour Sweet stomped off towards Gilda. It was then that Fluttershy realized the tone of voice Sour had been using. It was normal, not sour. She wasn’t doing this out of any schizophrenic mood swing. This was her. This was her and her absolute personal hatred for Gilda. For Fluttershy, that fact made this situation all the more awful. Tears began to form within her eyes. Sour Sweet and Gilda stepped up to each other. Sour’s face was pure rage, which only intensified by the fact that Gilda was still appearing to not take any of this seriously. “I’m going to smack that smirk right off your fucking face,” Sour Sweet promised. “I just can’t help it,” Gilda chuckled. “I know a scrawny nothing like you can’t stand a chance against me, Sour Bitch. And you know what? How about I give you the first punch?” She leaned in and tapped her cheek. “Come on. Hit me.” For the first time in her life, Sour Sweet found that there was no one to hold her back. In an instant, Gilda’s face shot hard to the right as Sour Sweet’s fist smashed into her cheek. Gilda even stumbled over a few steps. Her shocked expression was priceless in Sour’s eyes. The furious expression which came immediately afterwards pleased her to no end. Swing after swing, the two of them exchanged blows to the cheeks with single-minded hatred. On the sidelines, Fluttershy stood frozen and trembling in fear. Her eyes winced at every strike. Gilda finally broke the repetition by striking straight into Sour Sweet’s nose. Blood trailed in the air as Sour Sweet fell back. She hit the ground hard. Gilda’s smirk returned as she stepped over closer. Her foot rose up and dropped. Sour Sweet’s hands immediately caught and forced it back, causing Gilda to fall back to the ground. Sour Sweet shot over and slammed her weight down onto Gilda’s waist, straddling as she began rapid firing her knuckles into her face. Gilda grabbed Sour’s underarms and swung her over. They ended up rolling together several times before reaching the playground equipment. Gilda swiped her hand into the side of Sour’s head, forcing it to smack into the pole of the swing set. Enraged, Sour Sweet gripped Gilda’s wrists. She heaved herself up, taking Gilda with her. With a battle cry, Sour swung Gilda hard and let go. Gilda flew back right onto a roundabout. Recovering quickly, Gilda shot up off the roundabout and came at Sour Sweet with her hands out. Sour Sweet shot out her hands in return. Both of their throats were soon clenched in each other’s strong grip. A horrified Fluttershy tried to figure out the aim of a choking contest. Close off air until one of them passed out and fell to the ground? Then the victor would get to mercilessly wail on the unconscious without retaliation? Fluttershy didn’t want to find out. She couldn’t stand this anymore! She felt courage welling up within her. She had to do something. Now! Fluttershy ran over to them. With strength she didn’t even know she had, she shot her hands between Sour Sweet and Gilda’s chests and successfully pried them apart, causing them to let go of each other’s necks and stagger back. “STOP IT!!!” Fluttershy pleaded. “JUST STOP IT!!!! LET GO OF YOUR HATE!!! WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO HURT EACH OTHER!?!?! WHY CAN’T EVERYONE JUST GET ALONG!?!!? WHY CAN’T EVERYONE JUST BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER!?!?!!?” Fluttershy’s body then began to illuminate and rise into the air. Her human ears retracted, popping up higher as pony ones. Wings sprouted from her back followed by a long pony tail generating out of her hair. Her magical aura was so bright, Sour Sweet and Gilda had to avert their eyes. It was as if the day had suddenly acquired a second sun. Fluttershy had never seen herself glow so brightly either. Basking in this radiance, Sour Sweet and Gilda’s bodies tingled as some unseen force washed over them. They felt their frustrations and hate inexplicably begin to dissolve. They glanced over at each other. Their eyes lingered at the bruises and blood shed which they had inflected on one another. All of the negativity which they had had just moments before was then replaced with regret. Their legs then gave out, causing them both to fall back onto the ground. A realization shot them through them as they sat there. It was the realization that they had been pushing off something very important to the side. Kindness. “S-sorry, Sour Sweet,” Gilda shamefully whispered. “I shouldn’t be taking my problems out on others.” “It’s okay, Gilda,” Sour Sweet quietly assured. “I shouldn’t either.” “Sounds like our fight wasn’t just about the two of us,” Gilda observed. Sour Sweet nodded. “I was throwing a punch for every time someone had verbally hurt me for just having a mental condition, for every time my condition had ruined something nice in my life, and for every time my dad had ignored me.” Gilda smirked. “What a coincidence. I was throwing a punch for every time I’ve felt insecure, for every time my abrasive personality scared off a potential friend, and for every time my asshole dad had slapped me.” Sour Sweet winced at that last part and then sighed. “I guess we’re not as different as we thought we were. We both know how to misplace anger.” Gilda gave a small, humble nod in agreement. She then got up, turned and sulked off. Fluttershy floated down. Her transformation ended with the glow, ears, wings, and tail retracting back into herself. She placed a hand on Sour Sweet’s shoulder. “So much for self-control,” Sour Sweet sighed. “Just when I take a step forward with overcoming my condition, I take a step back.” “What happened had nothing to do with your condition, Sour Sweet," Fluttershy assured. "You and Gilda both just let your anger take over your senses. It unfortunately happens to so many. Let’s be thankful that it stopped before things went too far.” Sour Sweet shot her a grateful smile. “It stopped thanks to you, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy smiled humbly. “It was the magic, really.” Sour Sweet nudged her arm. “The magic comes from your natural kindness. Don’t forget that, Flutters. Heck, with that shine you gave off, you weren't a bad-looking angel, either. Sunset Shimmer better take a step back.” Fluttershy blushed and stroked her hair with some embarrassment. “Oh, stop.” “No, really! I even bet Big Mac would like it if you ponied up just for him. Give him a little ‘kindness’ if you know what I mean.” Fluttershy’s face went aflame with naughty thoughts. “S-Sour Sweet!” Sour Sweet chuckled. “I’m just teasing you to get my mind off how bad my body is throbbing right now, Flutters.” “Let’s go to my house. You need some antiseptic. I hope Gilda gets some as well.” “Hey, wait!” Sour Sweet said as she fished her cellphone out of her pocket. Fluttershy watched in confusion as the phone was held up. Sour Sweet cocked an eyebrow and made one of those obnoxious duck faces she had seen Rarity do way too many times. The look drastically clashed with the black eye and blood. The picture was snapped. “What are you doing, Sour?” Sour Sweet smirked. “Sending a very special selfie to my boyfriend. I just suddenly felt the urge to give him a heart attack, you know? #GuesswhatIdid?” **************** ELSEWHERE… "A text? I wonder what she wants t- OH MY GOD! THE DUCK LIPS JUST MAKE IT WORSE!!!" Immediately, the boy snatched every bit of first aid supplies which he could find and carry, and hightailed it over to Fluttershy’s house to help clean his girlfriend up. THE END