> The Dagger 2: Innocence Lost > by Azure Sandora > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 “Thank you for coming, Rarity,” Cheerilee said from behind her desk. “It's not a problem at all, Cheerilee,” Rarity said, a look of concern marring her face, “You said that it was urgent.” Cheerilee sighed, “It's about Sweetie Belle.” Rarity closed her eyes pained. She was afraid of that. Lately it was like all Sweetie Belle did was get in trouble. “What happened?” Rarity asked, not needing Cheerilee to go too in depth. “It was another fight,” Cheerilee said, “Snips and Snails apparently said something to her, and she exploded on them. First it was just shouting, but after a while…” “I don't need to hear anymore,” Rarity said with a sigh, “I just don't know what to do with her anymore.” “How is she at home?” Cheerilee asked Rarity. “About the same as she is here sadly,” Rarity admitted, “We've gotten into so many arguments lately. Honestly, she hasn't been right since…” “Since Rumble disappeared, right?” Cheerilee asked, “She tends to get really upset whenever someone mentions Rumble. Rarity, I didn't want to say anything, but do you think-” “Absolutely not,” Rarity said adamantly, “I know Sweetie Belle didn't necessarily like the boy, but she didn't have anything to do with his disappearance.” “I'm not accusing her of anything,” Cheerilee said, “I was just wondering if you thought she knew anything.” “She says no, so I believe her,” Rarity said, “I don't know why she's acting out like this though. She was just fine the day before, but then one night…” “It's so bad that most of the students are getting afraid of her,” Cheerilee said, “It doesn't help that her clothes now are so…” Rarity cleared her throat, “Yes, I realize. Besides that, she hasn't bullied anyone, right?” “Oh no, never,” Cheerilee said, “Beyond snapping at ponies, she's very well behaved. In fact, she's been keeping to herself a lot more these days. She doesn't even speak up in class as much anymore.” “Hrm… not sure how I feel about that,” Rarity said, “She used to be so vocal and bright.” “Rarity, I'm seriously getting concerned about her,” Cheerilee said, “Whatever is going on with her, she needs to talk to somepony about it and soon.” “I know…” Rarity said, “I've been trying to be that pony, but…” It was interesting how even a sunny day could look so dark depending on one's mood. Sweetie Belle hadn't had a truly sunny day in about two weeks, not since it happened. Her “first” blood, the mare from that night said. Most of the ponies in Ponyville thought Rumble had just disappeared, probably run away from home. I mean, he was a troublemaker and attention seeker. This was right up his alley, but Sweetie Belle knew better. Rumble was dead. Essentially killed in cold blood. Poor Scootaloo, who was his girlfriend, was besides herself, wondering where he went, and wishing there was a sign or something. Sweetie Belle wanted to give her friend some form of closure, even if it were to tell her that he was dead. But she couldn't tell her that. She couldn't tell anyone that he was dead. If she did, she'd have to tell them another truth as well. That she was Rumble's killer. “Damn it…” Sweetie Belle swore, wiping her eyes carefully as they teared up. She didn't want to ruin her make-up, which along with her style had changed quite a good deal since “the incident”. She had begun wearing a short black tutu skirt, black corset top that accentuated her growing thirteen year old figure, fishnet stockings, black leather heeled boots, and a black leather jacket. On her face she wore dark purple eyeshadow now, and red lipstick, giving her a very gothic look. Her mane and tail were both still the same though, as she knew Rarity would throw a fit if she changed either of those drastically. Most ponies didn't know this about Sweetie Belle, but she always dressed depending on her mood in the morning. So this darker look matched her pretty well lately. As she sat down outside Cheerilee's office, she reached into her school bag and pulled out the small black dagger that she kept with her at all times now. She didn't even know why she carried it. It was a constant reminder of what she did, and the decision she made. Welcome to the Dark Brotherhood, Murderer. That's right. She was a murderer now. A killer. Even if it were in self defense, the truth is she still killed Rumble. That was a sin she was never going to undo. She killed an innocent- No… he wasn't innocent, was he? He was actually terrible. Always causing trouble, flirting with all the other fillies in school EVEN WHILE DATING SCOOTALOO, pulling pranks that no one thought was funny and sometimes hurt someone… honestly, she did the world a service by- “Stop it!” Sweetie Belle screamed, holding her head as she started full blown crying. It wasn't true. She wasn't a murderer. She wasn't. “Stop what exactly,” a high and soft voice said. Sweetie Belle looked up and saw her best friend Apple Bloom standing over her and giving her a sweet yet concerned smile. “It's nothing…” Sweetie Belle said, quickly putting her dagger away and looking away from Apple Bloom. As long as she didn't look her in the eyes, she wouldn't be able to tell that she was lying. Apple Bloom sighed and sat down next to Sweetie Belle. “So… how are ya doin?” Apple Bloom asked, “Think your in trouble or somethin?” “I don't know,” Sweetie Belle said distantly. “You know Snips and Snails didn't mean to upset you, right?” Apple Bloom asked, “I mean, they're idiots, and they need to learn tact, badly, but they meant well.” “Apple Bloom, you saw how they looked at me, right?” Sweetie Belle asked, “They were asking for it.” “Um… to be fair, you are dressed in a way that calls attention to, um…” Apple Bloom admitted. “WELL MAYBE I DIDN'T DRESS LIKE THIS FOR THEM, OR ANYONE TO LOOK AT ME!!!” Sweetie Belle screamed turning to Apple Bloom, “MAYBE I DRESSED LIKE THIS FOR MYSELF!!! NOT SOME COLT WHO CAN'T CONTROL HIS-” she caught herself when she saw Apple Bloom lean away from her in fear, “Apple Bloom… I'm sorry… I…” “Golly… what's goin on with ya lately? I ain't never seen ya this upset before,” Apple Bloom looked around, “Now Sweetie Belle, I need ya ta be absolutely honest with me. Did Rumble do anything to you before he vanished?” “W-why would you think that?!” Sweetie Belle asked shying away from Apple Bloom. “For starters, that,” Apple Bloom said, “I've been watchin you for a while now, and it seems like whenever someone mentions Rumble, you get all worked up, and it ain't no secret that he made a pass on pretty much every filly in the school. Come on Sweetie Belle, you can tell me anything.” Oh no I can't, Apple Bloom. “How's Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle said, trying her best to change the subject. With how Apple Bloom sighed, she knew this tactic too well. “Except for being worried about you and Rumble, she's fine,” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle hugged herself, still not looking at Apple Bloom. “What did she even see in him anyway? He was horrible, everyone knows it. No one else misses him, not even the teachers really. So why does she?” “Geez, Sweetie Belle. You've really gotten dark,” Apple Bloom said, “And the way you're talkin about Rumble lets me know the truth. Somethin did happen between you two, didn't it?” “I'm not talking about it, Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said. “Sweetie Belle, I-” Apple Bloom was cut off as the door opened, and Rarity stepped out. In compete contrast to her younger sister, Rarity wore a really nice short one piece white dress with a purple belt, white high heeled boots, and her usual shades of make-up. When she looked at Sweetie Belle, she sighed. “How are you feeling, darling?” Rarity asked. “I'm sick of this place,” Sweetie Belle fussed folding her arms, “I want to go home.” “Very well,” Rarity said, “I'm sorry Apple Bloom. Could Sweetie Belle call you later?” “Yeah actually,” Apple Bloom said, “Like, please get in contact with me later, alright Sweetie Belle?” Sweetie Belle didn't answer. Instead, she just stood up and started walking out of the school. Rarity gave Apple Bloom an apologetic look before running after her little sister. “That was incredibly rude, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity scolded. “She was bothering me,” Sweetie Belle stated, “I didn't want to talk to her in the first place.” “But aren't you two best friends?” Rarity asked. “Why do you care anyway?” Sweetie Belle asked harshly, “It's not like it affects you at all.” “It does though,” Rarity said putting a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulder, “I'm really worried about you. It's like all of a sudden you're just always so uptight and angry.” “Yeah? Well… don't worry about me,” Sweetie Belle said, “I'm done talking about it.” “Sweetie Bel-” “I SAID I'M DONE TALKING ABOUT IT!!!” Sweetie Belle screamed, “Just… drop it!” With that, Sweetie Belle walked ahead, faster and away from Rarity. She knew that her big sister was just trying to help, but this wasn't something Rarity could help her with. If she were to ever know the truth, she'd probably hate Sweetie Belle forever. It was nighttime, and she was standing over Snips as he backed away from her cowering in fear. Off to the side was Snails, already lying on the ground a bloody mess. “W-w-we said we were sorry!” Snips cried, “Why are you doing this?!” “This is how it starts…” she said, raising the bloody knife, “First it's just minor sexual harassment, and then… you're following girls on bridges preparing to rape them. I hate asshole's like you, but…” she knelt down before Snails and smiled almost lustfully, “I'm going to love doing this…” “THAT'S ENOUGH, SWEETIE BELLE!!!” A bright light shined over Sweetie Belle, and she noticed that Snips and Snails faded away, along with the knife in her hand. She looked up and saw a familiar dark blue alicorn descending, wearing a long black gown and her usual regalia. “P-Princess Luna…?” Sweetie Belle asked, realizing what this was. She was dreaming. Dreaming about killing Snips and Snails. Dreaming about wanting to kill Snips and Snails. “I must say, I am greatly disturbed by this,” Luna said walking over to Sweetie Belle, “Someone as young as you having fantasies of this nature.” “I… I'm sorry…” Sweetie Belle said, looking away from Luna. She was probably so ashamed of her now. She was ashamed of herself actually, and Luna's gaze was somewhat painful. “You should not apologize for the dreams you have,” Luna said kneeling in front of Sweetie Belle, “Dreams are formed by things that happen around us, and our internal thoughts.” “I am sorry though,” Sweetie Belle said, tearing up, “I'm sorry that I'm a monster…” “What? Sweetie Belle, you are anything but a monster,” Luna said, embracing Sweetie Belle, who tensed up in her embrace. “Please no…” Sweetie Belle begged, “Don't…” “What happened to you, child?” Luna asked softly, “You're dreams have been quite tormented as of late.” She couldn't tell Princess Luna! If she told her what happened, she'd be investigated immediately. Guards would be pounding on her and Rarity's doorstep, and she'd be thrown into a dungeon forever! Instead of telling Princess Luna, she tensed up even more, moaning in fear. “Sweetie Belle…?” Luna asked. “Please, Princess… just go away…” Sweetie Belle begged, “I want to be alone right now…” Princess Luna pursed her lips, but nodded, “I understand. I will leave you for the night, but know that I shall be following your dreams closely. I'm concerned about you, Sweetie Belle.” Yeah, you and everyone else, Sweetie Belle thought as Luna floated away. She woke up shortly after, noting that she had tears in her eyes. Was this from being with Princess Luna? Or were these tears shed for the dream itself? “Still having trouble sleeping, Sweetie Belle?” Sweetie Belle jumped and turned to her wardrobe closet. Standing next to it was a mare wearing red and black body armor, black hood and a red face mask. Her long, dark red tail and bright blue eyes gave her away instantly though. “Y-you again…? Sweetie Belle said trembling, “You're the pony f-from that day.” “My name is Bloody Harvest,” the mare said, “I'm pleased that you remember me so well, child.” “Why are you here?” Sweetie Belle asked, “You're not here to force me t-to kill again, are you…?” “Of course not,” Bloody Harvest said raising a hand, “I won't have to force you. You're going to kill again, even without my consent.” “No! I won't!” Sweetie Belle fussed, “I'm never ever going to kill again!” “Are you sure?” Bloody Harvest asked, walking over to Sweetie Belle and sitting on the bed next to her, “You seemed to want to kill those two boys from today. Mind you, they don't truly deserve it, but I could understand you wanting it.” “I d-didn't… want to…” she wasn't so sure of that herself though. She did dream about killing them, didn't she? With what Luna said about dreams… “Normally, we'd wait until you were of a certain age to begin your training, but I can see the hunger growing within you strongly already. On your desk, I left you a gift. Why don't you take a look?” Sweetie Belle eyed Bloody Harvest closely as she walked toward her desk. There she saw what looked like a small book. It had the same hand insignia on it, which Sweetie Belle figured was the Dark Brotherhood's symbol. “Why… are you giving me this…?” Sweetie Belle asked. She was shocked when she felt Bloody Harvest embrace her from behind, just like she did the last time. “Because I trust you, Sweetie Belle,” Bloody Harvest said, “I see great potential within you, my child, and I wish to nurture that potential. This book has not only spells, but other skills that you'll need to learn. This isn't the only gift I have for you though.” “What's the other gift…?” Sweetie Belle asked slowly, her heart racing for some reason. “Something that I've never given anyone,” Bloody Harvest said tightening her embrace, “A free kill.” Sweetie Belle's eyes went wide, and her whole body went rigid. She was giving her… a free kill? “You see, normally we get jobs through what's called The Black Sacrament,” Bloody Harvest continued, “However, I want you to see what your true nature is. To do that, I'm giving you a chance to choose your own victim. It can be anyone at all. Grown up, child, it could even be a member of the Council of Friendship, assuming you saw fit to end their life. “All you have to do is pick them, hunt them, and end their lives on your terms. Don't worry about cleaning the scene. As long as you follow the guidance of that book, no one will suspect that it's you.” “How do you know I'll use it?” Sweetie Belle asked, “This… free kill? “You'll use it,” Bloody Harvest said, “You won't be able to resist. Tomorrow, you're going to look around, seeing ponies live their lives. But then, you're going to see someone. Male, female, old, young, it doesn't matter. You're going to see them, and you're going to hate them. You'll hate them because all they do with their lives is make other ponies' lives harder. You'll wonder if the world would be better off without them, and then you'll remember my offer.” Bloody Harvest released Sweetie Belle, and walked to her window, “The next time you see me, will be after your kill. Till then, Sweetie Belle.” With that, she jumped out of the window. Sweetie Belle looked down at the book. She could give this to Rarity, or Princess Twilight. They'd investigate this organization, and she could even try to pin Rumble's death on them. She could be free, right? Free from the guilt. Free from the pain. She could go back to being the old Sweetie Belle. But, would that erase what she did? Would that get rid of the feeling she had? Also, Bloody Harvest said it herself, she was trusting her, and something told her that if she betrayed that trust, things could get really bad for her. Besides, she was a little curious about that book. Partially out of fear, and partially out of morbid curiosity, she took the book over to her bed, and opened it. She didn't plan on killing anyone, but the spells in this book did sound interesting. Bloody Harvest walked over to a tree, where another member of the Dark Brotherhood waited for her. This member, while wearing the same red and black body armor as her, also had a pure white coat underneath their mask and hood, purple eyes, and a neon blue tail. “You're sure givin that kid a lot of leeway,” the mare said to Bloody Harvest. “She could be the one we're looking for,” Bloody Harvest said. Her partner laughed a bit shaking her head. “You actually believe in that prophesy, about a “child” who'll return glory to the Dark Brotherhood?” “Everything else has happened,” Bloody Harvest said, “Perhaps you could stand to have more faith, sister in arms.” “Maybe, or maybe you need to think about giving that kid so much. You do know who her older sister is, right?” “I know,” Bloody Harvest said walking off, “That's why I know she won't tell anyone.” Her partner shrugged and walked off after her best friend/leader. Hopefully this wouldn't bite them in the flank later. Recruiting someone so young though? She better be the one they were searching for. They were taking a huge risk here. > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2 Fluttershy couldn't believe her rotten luck. She wanted to be upset at the mayor for this. But sadly, she didn't know about why she felt the way that she did about this stallion, who now stood before the mayor of Ponyville in front of Town Hall. Or why she was trembling so much being in his presence. “So, do you think you'll be able to adjust here, Silver Streak?” The mayor asked the impressive Pegasus stallion before her. He had a white coat and long silver mane, and was currently wearing a white dress shirt, black pants, and slacks. “With my good friend Fluttershy here, I should be fine,” Silver Streak said with a smirk. Fluttershy tightened her fists when he said that. He was anything but a friend of hers. To her, he was nothing but… “Well then, I'll leave it to you,” the mayor said walking back into Town Hall, completely oblivious to how upset Fluttershy was. Once alone, Silver Streak turned to Fluttershy with a truly lecherous smile. “So we meet again,” he said walking over to Fluttershy and rubbing her shoulder, “Been a while, hasn't it my little slut?” Don't answer him… PLEASE don't answer him… “I believe I asked you a question,” Silver Streak said, gripping Fluttershy's mane tightly and forcing her to look at him, “Or are you planning on giving me the silent treatment for my entire stay here?” “N-no sir!” Fluttershy cried, “I'm sorry!” “That's better,” Silver Streak said cupping her chin and getting close to her face, “While I'm here, I expect you to make my stay here a comfortable one. I'm sure I don't have to explain what that means, right?” “R-right! I understand!” Fluttershy said, unable to hold in her tears. “That's a good girl,” Silver Streak said before forcibly kissing Fluttershy. To anyone looking, it would look like they were just passionate lovers, but that was so far from the truth. She hated this stallion. He was disgusting, and probably one of the only ponies in the world that she hated. He released her and gazed into her eyes with a dangerous smirk, “I'm staying at Ponyville Hotel in room 26. I expect to see you there tonight at nine, wearing the sluttiest thing you can find. I know where you live, so if you don't, it won't be pretty. Got it?” “G-got it…!” Fluttershy sobbed. Silver Streak walked past her, slapping her on the butt, and then walked off. Once alone, Fluttershy broke down falling to her knees. She wanted to just run away, maybe hide at Rainbow Dash's place, but she knew that if she did he'd probably hurt her animals or something. The thought of having to give herself to that disgusting stallion made her want to throw up. But she knew that she'd go to him. She always went to him when he came calling. She was weak, and the system had already failed to put in to justice for what he did to her once. She knew that she wouldn't be able to escape. Especially with the fact that she was going to him “willingly”. It was another nice and sunny day. This time it was the weekend, so Sweetie Belle didn't have to try and go to school. Instead, she walked through town to clear her head. The only thing she brought with her was the book that Bloody Harvest gave her. She walked into the market place, thinking that she'd maybe get a snack or something while she was out. By one of the stands she saw an elderly mare arguing with a younger stallion behind a counter. He looked really stressed out, signaling that the elderly mare was probably the instigator. I see her a lot, giving ponies a hard time. She's always going out of her way to be difficult. But… with her being so old, no one would miss her… “Stop that,” Sweetie Belle said shaking her head, “I shouldn't have those kind of thoughts.” She pushed onward, choosing to ignore that old hag and instead going to the fruit stand. There she saw the stallion behind the counter there, Hard Sale. He looked so condescending, and had a habit of being difficult with his customers, Fluttershy getting it the hardest. Sweetie Belle couldn't understand why he was always so rude, overcharging for everything. “Um, excuse me,” Sweetie Belle said once it was her turn, “Could I get a basket of strawberries?” “Sure thing,” Hard Sale said, “That'll be… fifteen bits.” Fifteen?! Last time it was only ten, and Sweetie Belle was sure that even that was too much. “Sir, I don't believe that's the correct price,” Sweetie Belle said, “I was told that they were only ten bits, and-” “I had to increase the prices due to a shortage,” Hard Sale said with a condescending smile, “You know how it is, right?” More like he increased the prices because he wanted more money. Sweetie Belle took a deep breath and patted the counter. “You know what? Never mind,” she said with a curt smile, “Thanks anyway.” “No problem shrimp,” he said. Sweetie Belle turned around and walked away, a hateful scowl marring her expression. Ugh! He does this every time! And he has the audacity to give Rarity a DISCOUNT! Probably just because she's sexy! I wish he'd just go away! Then ponies could get their fruit and not break their wallets! She then remembered the dagger, which she tied high up to her hip so her black skirt could hide it. She thought about waiting until after everyone left, following him home, and then just taking him out. The Dark Brotherhood was going to clean up anyway, so no one would ever have to know- No, she wasn't going to waste a free kill on someone so insignificant. The Dark Brotherhood was going to clean up the kill afterward, so why waste the free kill on something like that when she could probably use it to kill- What was she saying?! Was she seriously talking about killing a pony like she was actually about to do it?! She shook her head again and ran out of the market in tears. Sure she probably looked insane, but what did it matter. She was already going insane. I'm horrible to think like that! As she ran out though, she didn't notice a pink filly watching her with a frown. Said filly had grown her purple and white mane down to her waist, and was wearing a short tight pink dress that accentuated her growing figure tastefully, white boots, white gloves, and a silver tiara on her head. She sauntered over to Hard Sale's stand and tapped the counter lightly. “Hi there,” she said with a knowing smirk, “I'd like to buy a basket of strawberries, please.” Sweetie Belle sat under a tree by herself, holding the dagger in her hands and running her fingers across the blades as her thoughts wandered. Bloody Harvest was right. She did think about who she could kill. And each time, a sick part of her actually wanted to do it. She closed her eyes and sighed, but noticed someone standing over her. She looked up to see Diamond Tiara holding out a basket of strawberries. “You can thank me later,” Diamond Tiara said with an arrogant smirk. Sweetie Belle smiled and took the basket. “You didn't have to do that…” she said softly, “Um… why did you?” “Why not?” Diamond Tiara said with a shrug, “I'm allowed to do something nice for my friends every once in a while.” Her tone and mannerisms always made it hard to tell whether or not she was sincere. Sweetie Belle knew that it was just the kind of filly she was. Deep down, Diamond Tiara was actually really sweet. She was still spoiled rotten though. “Well, thanks,” Sweetie Belle said, “I really needed this.” “I could tell,” Diamond Tiara said sitting next to Sweetie Belle, “I was in the market and saw you running off in frustration. God, I hate that stallion.” “Y-yeah, me too,” Sweetie Belle said honestly, feeling an almost dark comradeship between them. “You know, he tried that overcharging shit on my Daddy the other day,” Diamond Tiara said, now in full gossip mode, “I don't remember the last time I had ever seen him so livid. He's lucky Daddy was in a good mood, otherwise he'd have his job.” “Almost wish he had taken his job or something,” Sweetie Belle said darkly eating one of her strawberries, “No one would miss him.” “Yeah, that's true,” Diamond Tiara said airily, surprising Sweetie Belle a bit. “No telling me that it's bad to think that way?” Sweetie Belle asked, “Saying that it's not right to say things like that about a pony?” “No,” Diamond Tiara said as if it were obvious, “Why would I say that? First off, he's an asshole plain and simple. Second of all, I'm not a model citizen myself.” That was true. Sure, Diamond Tiara was a better filly now, but she was still a brat, selfish, and overall a bitch in every sense of the word. “So, what's with the dagger?” Diamond Tiara asked taking a strawberry from the basket, “Get it in an antique shop or something?” “It was given to me as a gift,” Sweetie Belle said, putting the dagger away on her hip. “Huh, well it looked cool,” Diamond Tiara said, “I like stuff like that.” “That doesn't surprise me much,” Sweetie Belle stated with an eye roll, “No offense, but you strike me as one of those kids that likes knives and fire.” “None taken,” Diamond Tiara said, “I used to set ants on fire when I was really little.” Once again what she kidding, or was she dead serious? It was impossible to tell with this filly. No wonder she was such a great liar. Still, Sweetie Belle started thinking, what would Diamond Tiara do in her shoes. “Hey, Diamond Tiara, can I ask for your opinion?” Sweetie Belle asked. “I don't know, can you?” Diamond Tiara asked, making Sweetie Belle shoot her a glare, “Kidding, Sweetie Belle. I'm kidding,” she said giggling. Sweetie Belle sighed, “If you could… make someone go away permanently, anyone, it didn't matter who, and you knew guaranteed that you wouldn't get caught, would you do it?” “When you say, “make them go away”, you're talking about killing them, right?” Diamond Tiara asked matter of factly. “Y-yeah,” Sweetie Belle admitted, looking away, “Sorry if this seems… um…” “Hell yeah,” Diamond Tiara said honestly, “I'd do it.” Sweetie Belle turned to Diamond Tiara wide eyed as the filly next to her began filing her nails. “You would?” Sweetie Belle asked. “I'm not going to get caught, right?” Diamond Tiara asked, “So I don't see a reason not to just take someone out, assuming they're the right person.” “So… who would it be?” Sweetie Belle asked, eating her strawberries and looking at Diamond Tiara intently, “Who would you kill?” “Well, it can't just be anyone,” Diamond Tiara said thoughtfully, “I'm thinking the scum of the earth. Someone that no one would miss.” “That sounds hard to find,” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah okay, that might be an exaggeration, but they have to be a terrible pony, you know? That way when I kill them, I won't feel guilty or some stupid shit like that. Oh, I wouldn't just waste it on some random pony I'd hate either. There are too many ponies that fall into that category, you know?” “So… they'd have to be someone that did something serious,” Sweetie Belle reasoned. “Exactly, like… hurting a friend,” Diamond Tiara said with a dangerous edge, “Yeah, either that or someone I really think doesn't deserve it. A regular criminal wouldn't really cut it, as that's what the guard is for. No, for me to want to kill them, they'd have to be a special kind of criminal.” Diamond Tiara was a scary filly, taking about killing someone with such ease. Actually knowing how she'd plan her targets out. “Why?” Diamond Tiara asked turning to Sweetie Belle, “Is there someone you wanna kill?” “I mean, no,” Sweetie Belle said, “I'm not like you or anyone like that. I'm not a killer.” “Don't give me that,” Diamond Tiara said taking another strawberry and looking Sweetie Belle dead in the eyes, “Everypony is like that deep down inside. You see somepony, and you hate them, and you envision what it would be like if they just weren't there anymore. The thing is, there are three categories to that. One, the ponies who pretend they're not like that. Two, the ponies who admit that they do have those fantasies. And three, the ponies who act on those fantasies. Do you know which one you are, Sweetie Belle?” “I… I don't…” Sweetie Belle averted her eyes. “Because while I like sharp objects, I don't walk around with a butterfly knife strapped to my hip,” Diamond Tiara stood up, “This was fun. We should do this again sometime.” “Talk about scary and morbid things together?” Sweetie Belle asked deadpanned. “Why not?” Diamond Tiara asked, “Those conversations are more fun anyway.” With that, Diamond Tiara walked off, leaving Sweetie Belle alone. She didn't know how she felt about that conversation. Everything she said made sense, but it was still really disturbing. Still, she found herself unable to answer that question. Was she the type who denied her killer thoughts? Silver Streak wasn't nice, he wasn't tender, and he didn't care about her pleasure. Everything about this meeting tonight was for his pleasure and no one else. The super slutty red dress he made her wear was because he liked seeing her wear it. Making her walk all the way to the hotel dressed like that was because he liked seeing her humiliated. And he took her so roughly because he liked it rough. Like right now, he had her tied to the bed and gagged, her legs forcibly spread apart as he roughly pounded into her. Tears streamed from her eyes as he pounded harshly into her. Her tears weren't from the pain, but from the humiliation of it. “You're crying, but I can feel how wet you're getting,” Silver Streak taunted, “Some sick part of you enjoys being treated like a slut, don't you?” She did like it a little rougher than most ponies would credit her, but this wasn't the same. She didn't feel empowered like this, she felt belittled. While she did enjoy being tied down, Silver Streak was just using that as an excuse to take advantage of her. Right before he came, he exited her so he could cum all over her front, coating her pussy, breasts, and even her face with his semen. He then pulled out a camera phone and took a picture of her. “That's a good look for you, slut,” Silver Streak said with an arrogant sneer, “I'd keep you here, but I have to speak to the kids at school tomorrow. So you gotta get going.” He untied her and removed her gag before shoving her toward the door, “Y-you won't let me shower or anything before leaving?” “Worried that someone's going to see how much of a slut you are?” Silver Streak asked tauntingly, “Sorry, but the shower here is terrible, and with as much noise as we made the owner's gonna be by here in a few minutes,” with that, he grabbed Fluttershy's arm and pushed her outside of his room, “I'll be by tomorrow after the school event, so don't disappear.” He slammed the door shut locking it. Before Fluttershy could start banging on it, she saw the owner of the hotel walking up to the room. She quickly ducked out and ran toward the fire escape, refusing to let ANYONE from the front desk see her. Once she was outside, she ran into an alleyway, where she fell to the ground and broke down, crying so loudly that she knew that someone was probably going to find her. They'd see her, half naked, covered in male cum. She'd be ruined if anyone saw her. “Holy… FLUTTERSHY!!!” a familiar raspy voice cried out, before she was scooped up in strong cyan arms, “Flutteshy, are you okay?!” “Rainbow… Dash…?” Fluttershy asked before panicking, “NO!!! DON'T LOOK AT ME!!!” she screamed struggling out of Rainbow Dash's embrace. “Fluttershy, what the fuck…?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I'm taking you to my place!” “Please no-” “I don't wanna hear it,” Rainbow Dash hoisted Fluttershy over her shoulder, “You're telling me everything when we get there.” Before Fluttershy knew it, she was in Rainbow Dash's cloud house, lying in the bathtub as Rainbow Dash gently cleaned her off. Once she was done, she gave Fluttershy some of her pajamas and sat her down in the living room, where she told Rainbow Dash what happened. “So, that's Silver Streak's deal, huh?” Rainbow Dash asked venomously, “Give me a second.” “W-what are you going to do…?” Fluttershy asked as Rainbow Dash rose up. “I'm gonna go beat the shit out of him, that's what?” Dash said simply. Fluttershy quickly grabbed her arm stopping her. “No! Please no!” Fluttershy begged, “He won't stop! If you attack him, he'll just blame me and attack the animals at my sanctuary!” “Fluttershy, we have to do something!” Rainbow Dash turned to Fluttershy and grabbed her arms tightly, “Look at you! This guy's got you undoing years of progress! You're so much stronger than this!” “I've tried everything!” Fluttershy cried, “No one can help me though! I already tried having him arrested, and they ruled in his favor because of my occupation! And if I do anything he'll either hurt the animals or me! There's nothing I can do!” Fluttershy ran over to the couch and collapsed in tears, “I'm not strong! I'll never be strong!” “Fluttershy, that's not true at all,” Rainbow Dash said kneeling down next to her devastated and broken friend, “In the last three years you've become one of the strongest ponies I've ever met.” “If I'm so strong,” Fluttershy sobbed looking at Rainbow Dash desperately, “Why can't I fight back? Why is he doing this to me?” “Because you are strong,” Rainbow Dash said caressing Fluttershy's cheek, “He's an asshole who just wants the satisfaction of knowing that he broke a strong mare. Look, I don't want you alone tonight, so you're going to stay here with me.” “Are you sure it's okay?” Fluttershy asked. “Let me rephrase that,” Rainbow Dash looked Fluttershy dead in the eyes, “I insist that you stay with me tonight,” she rose up and walked over to the stairs, “There are a few books on the table if you wanna read something. Might help ya get some sleep.” As Rainbow Dash went upstairs, Fluttershy's focus went to the books on the coffee table. Most of them were Daring Do books (of course), which she wasn't entirely interested in. However, she did see one book with an odd insignia. She picked that one up and opened it, taking in the words on the first page. “Lore of the Dark Brotherhood…?” > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3 Sweetie Belle had read the spell book up to the fourth chapter, and decided that now she wanted to test the spells out a bit, along with some of the other techniques found in the book that could be used by any pony regardless of species. For this she decided to shadow different ponies and see how long she could stay hidden. Her “victim” of the day was Rarity. As it was Sunday, the shop was closed, so she chose to spend today at the spa. It was a place mainly for grown ups, so normally she couldn't enter without supervision. But using the techniques in the book, she was able to actually get inside using a window, and then slipped past all the security. Since it was daytime she couldn't hide in the shadows much, but she could still hide in the crowds and such. Doing so she was able to actually keep watch of Rarity throughout most of her spa day. She didn't stay the whole day, as she wanted to try and shadow some other ponies. That, and she had a few close calls that she wasn't comfortable with. “Alright, note to self, it's called “Shadowing” a pony for a reason,” she said walking back to the park. She leaned against a tree and pulled the book out of her backpack. There was an interesting chapter on something called the “black sacrament”. “The black sacrament is the means that ponies use to summon the Dark Brotherhood,” Sweetie Belle read aloud, “In ancient times this was done using actual body parts including bones, skull, flesh, and an actual heart?!” Sweetie Belle almost threw up when she read that, “Okay, it looks like the black sacrament is handled differently now, thank God. Let's see here… the pony creates the effigy out of whatever material that they find, but they must put a drop of their own blood on in as a sign of devotion. The pony then circles themselves and the effigy in candles and stabs the effigy where the heart would be over and over while saying the special summoning chant: Sweet Mother, Sweet Mother, send your child unto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear,” she took a deep breath when she finished, “Whoa. This is modernized. I wonder if ponies actually do this.” “There she is!” Sweetie Belle quickly put her book away in her backpack as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo approached her. Scootaloo still had her hair longer and wore the same pretty dark blue skirt, matching top, and sneakers she wore when she started dating Rumble. She had started really taking pride in her appearance once they started dating. “Hey Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom said kneeling down in front of her, “We were lookin for ya.” “S-sorry, I was out,” she said distantly, not meeting Scootaloo's eyes. She couldn't face her, not after… “Well, we have a Cutie Mark emergency,” Scootaloo said, her voice quiet and distant, “Pip finally got his Cutie Mark, but he doesn't know what it's for, so he asked for our help.” “Should you be doing this though?” Sweetie Belle asked daring to look at Scootaloo slightly, “I-I mean, you've got a lot on your mind, with Rumble gone and…” “I'm alright,” Scootaloo said with a forced smile, “I'm sure that they'll find Rumble eventually. When they do find him, I wanna welcome him with a big smile, you know?” “Y-yeah… I guess,” Sweetie Belle said looking away darkly. Scootaloo was being so strong, keeping the faith and believing that somewhere Rumble was out there and he'd be okay. It would be inspiring, if Sweetie Belle didn't know better. “Yer better at identifyin the meanin of existin Cutie Marks than us,” Apple Bloom admitted, “That's why we were lookin for ya.” “I… I don't…” “Come on, Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom pleaded, “Ah don't know what's wrong lately, but Pip came to us directly. We really need your help.” “Please Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo begged taking Sweetie Belle's hand, “Lately it seems like you're avoiding us, and… I really need my friends right now.” Sweetie Belle looked into Scootaloo's eyes, and saw so much desperation. So much that it hurt. Before she knew it, she had burst into tears. “I'm sorry Scootaloo…!” Sweetie Belle sobbed, “I'm so sorry…!” “It's alright,” Scootaloo said hugging Sweetie Belle, “Just… don't push us away, alright? Please.” It was a plea, begging Sweetie Belle to be there for her in her time of need. Damn it, she thought that Sweetie Belle was apologizing for pulling away when she was actually… I'm sorry I killed him, Scootaloo… It wasn't that hard once they had gotten started. Turned out Pip's Cutie Mark wasn't just in finding things, but in finding clues. He'd probably make a great detective later in life with a skill like that. It made Sweetie Belle really happy that Bloody Harvest had cleaned up the scene. Now she really wanted to keep her distance from the others. Sadly, that wasn't an option, as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo decided that for the rest of the day the three of them should hang out. She wanted to keep practicing the spells in that book, but she knew that now she was caught. As such, she followed her friends to Sugar Cube Corner, where they all got a seat in the corner. “Pip's gonna do great things with that Cutie Mark,” Apple Bloom said. “He seemed really happy that we helped him,” Scootaloo said, clearly trying to force herself to be happier than she actually was, “That was a good call, Sweetie Belle.” “Mm hm,” Sweetie Belle said, deciding to pull her book out and read a bit of it. It wasn't like they'd know anything about the Dark Brotherhood. She hadn't even heard of it until she met one of their members. “What 'cha readin, Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked, startling Sweetie Belle a bit. “It's just a book on an old organization,” Sweetie Belle said, deciding there was no harm in telling a partial truth. Apple Bloom looked over Sweetie Belle's shoulder to take a look. “The Dark Brotherhood…?” Apple Bloom read aloud, “Never heard of that.” “I have, sort of,” Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle turned to her in shock. “Wait, you have?!” Sweetie Belle asked, trying to hide her panic. “Dash has a book on them at her place,” Scootaloo said, “She told me that they were a group of assassins that used to act as a black ops group in Equestria.” “Black ops? So, they arrested people that the guards couldn't?” Apple Bloom asked. “Sort of,” Scootaloo took a sip from her milkshake before continuing, “They were more like an assassination group. Dash didn't tell me much, sadly.” “Why are ya readin 'bout a group of assassins, Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked. “I was just curious,” Sweetie Belle admitted, “It sounded interesting, and the book was available, so I figured, why not?” “Ah mean, I've never criticized anypony for the stuff they read,” Apple Bloom said, “It's jus', well, it's sorta morbid readin about assassins, ya know?” “Maybe, well… I just like reading morbid things now,” Sweetie Belle defended hugging the book, “It's mine anyway, so… just leave it alone, okay?” “Okay, okay,” Apple Bloom said raising her hands, “Sorry Sweetie Belle. Ah didn't mean ta upset ya.” Sweetie Belle went back to her book, and was silent for the rest of the day. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo talked among themselves, and Pinkie Pie stopped by to check on them a bit, but she didn't speak up much herself. She was just going to be a presence. That was it. The sun was starting to go down by the time the three of them separated. Sweetie Belle still wanted to practice her spells a bit, so instead of going right home she decided to head to the Everfree Forest for some privacy. After being around her friends and lying to them all day, she needed some alone time. Once she found a good clearing in the Everfree, she fell back onto the grass and closed her eyes. The town's constant noises were starting to annoy her, but out here she felt at peace. Here she could think and gather her thoughts. She still hadn't found anyone to use her free kill on, but that was a good thing. She didn't want to kill anypony. She wasn't a killer. But you already killed somepony, remember? Sweetie Belle sighed to herself, opening her eyes as she processed everything thus far. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she wasn't sorry that Rumble was dead. At the most she was sorry that she killed him, and that Scootaloo couldn't know, but… could she have actually wanted to kill him? She sat up when she heard someone else speaking. They were a bit away from her, and they kept saying the same thing over and over again. She couldn't make out the words exactly, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. As such, she stood up and quietly made her way through the Everfree Forest, following the voice. The closer she got, the more she could make out what they were saying. Whoever it was they were speaking in soft desperation, and soon she could actually make out the words, ones that made a chill run up her spine. Sweet Mother… Sweet Mother… send your child unto me… for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear! “Someone is… doing the black sacrament…?” Sweetie Belle asked in shock. She didn't think that she'd ever get to see it in action. Once again falling prey to her morbid curiosity, Sweetie Belle poked her head out to see who it was and what it looked like in practice. She was floored by what she saw, or rather who. Kneeling in a circle of candles was a familiar butter colored pegasus, with a super long and full pink mane and tail, wearing a green sweater, blue skinny jeans, and black boots. Before her was a tiny cloth doll made in the image of a gray pegasus, and while the doll had a blood stain on it, the pegasus standing over it had her left hand bandaged, and she was stabbing the doll over and over as if trying to kill it. Sweetie Belle's eyes were wide, and her heart was racing. It didn't make sense, but she couldn't refute it. That was Fluttershy, and she was doing the black sacrament! Sweetie Belle stood behind the tree she was hiding behind to process this. She knew what this was for, and everything looked like it was more or less correct. Fluttershy was trying to contact the Dark Brotherhood, but this was Fluttershy! Why would Fluttershy want to kill someone? Or maybe a better question. What happened to make Fluttershy of all ponies want to kill someone? Sweetie Belle looked down biting her lip, and pulled out her dagger. She was Dark Brotherhood now, wasn't she? Did that mean she needed to answer this call? How would the others even know? She had found Fluttershy by sheer chance! Sweetie Belle peaked out again to see Fluttershy, shocked by her expression. She had tears falling from her eyes, and she looked absolutely livid. How much longer would it take for a member of the Dark Brotherhood to find her. One of their members has already found her… Will you let this be, child of darkness…? Would she let it be? Could she let it be? This wasn't just anypony. This was a friend. Someone that Sweetie Belle liked and respected. She was Rarity's best friend, Opal's pet sitter, she even acted as Sweetie Belle's tutor once when she was having trouble with biology. Fluttershy was too sweet to want to hurt anypony. This pony would have to have done something really bad to make that happened. Exactly, like… hurting a friend. Yeah, either that or someone I really think doesn't deserve it. That's what Diamond Tiara had said, about killing someone if she could. Fluttershy didn't deserve to have anything bad happen to her. She was the sweetest pony Sweetie Belle knew. Anyone who would hurt her was a terrible pony. And whoever did this, it was so bad that Fluttershy now wanted them dead. She held the dagger close to her heart and closed her eyes, a sense of duty taking hold. She had no idea where it came from, but all of a sudden, she wanted nothing more than to help Fluttershy. She needed to know what was going on at least. “Fluttershy,” Sweetie Belle said softly stepping out. Fluttershy jumped holding the doll tightly, and slowly turned around trembling. “S-Sweetie Belle…?” Fluttershy asked, eyes red and her voice hoarse from all the crying she had apparently done. “You're doing the black sacrament, right…?” Sweetie Belle asked walking over to Fluttershy, who eyed the young, now gothic filly intently. “How do you know about the…” her eyes widened in surprise, “No… you can't be… you're with… them…?” “You mean the Dark Brotherhood,” Sweetie Belle said walking around to see the ceremony. She hadn't ever seen it done before, but from what she gathered it was pretty well done. She had really put in an effort to make this look authentic, “I guess I'm a member. Sort of… it's complicated, but…” Fluttershy grasped her hand tightly. When Sweetie Belle turned to her, she saw Fluttershy was trembling. “Help me…!” she sobbed, “Please help me…! I don't know what else to do…! I know this is wrong, but I…” “Who is it?” Sweetie Belle asked turning to Fluttershy and kneeling down in front of her, “Who hurt you?” “Will you believe me…?” Fluttershy asked, her sobs begging heavier and louder. Honestly, Sweetie Belle couldn't picture anyone not believing her. Fluttershy was sensitive, but she never cried like this. Someone hurt her, badly. And whoever they were, Sweetie Belle hated them. “Yes, I promise,” Sweetie Belle said, showing Fluttershy her dagger as proof, “Tell me who they are and what they did to you.” “It was… S-Silver Streak…!” Fluttershy barely got out, she was crying so hard now. Sweetie Belle knew that name. She read about him in a newspaper. “Silver Streak…?” Sweetie Belle asked, “You mean the leader of that new flight team?” Fluttershy nodded, not once looking up at Sweetie Belle, “He's the pony that you want…” “YES!!!” Fluttershy screamed, looking at Sweetie Belle intently, “Silver Streak is the pony I want you to kill!” “W-why?” Sweetie Belle asked, her heart racing again as she took in how serious Fluttershy was. “Because… he… he…” she closed her eyes tightly now holding her head, “HE RAPED ME!!!” she then broke down completely, falling into the ground. Sweetie Belle couldn't believe what she had heard. The idea of someone raping Fluttershy, reducing her to such a broken, pitiful pony, it was so much that Sweetie Belle found herself gritting her teeth. She knew exactly who she was going to use her free kill on. “Tell me what happened,” Sweetie Belle seethed, tears of rage falling from her eyes, “Tell me everything. I want to know every fucking detail of what he did to you.” Whether it was due to how angry she sounded, or the fact that she had used such profanity, Fluttershy calmed down a bit and looked up at Sweetie Belle. Her expression was one of hope, as if she were looking at an angel sent to rescue her. “It's not… an easy story but… I'll tell you…” Fluttershy said, “I'll tell you… everything.” > Chapter 4 - Fluttershy's Testimony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Fluttershy's Testimony In order for you to truly understand this story, I have to reveal something about myself to you. You see, I'm not just an animal caretaker. You're not? Taking care of animals is my passion, and I want to be able to do that for the rest of my life, but… it's not that great of a job for paying bills. No, for that, I have another job. I'm not sure if you're ready to know about this, but… Fluttershy, with all due respect, I'm offering to KILL a pony for you. Point. Alright then. You see, my second job is… Fluttershy moaned loudly, gripping the bed sheets as her latest client thrust into her. One of her more frequent clients, Prince Blueblood, was today. She loved it when he called her, for a number of reasons. One, he paid very well for her services, usually asking for the full package. Two, he was really big, and was really good in bed. And three, unlike how he was with Rarity, he was quite a gentleman with Fluttershy. Until they got in the bed, which suited Fluttershy just fine. He gripped her mane tightly, and whispered into her ear, “Inside, or outside?” “Inside!” Fluttershy moaned. A few seconds later, he released his hot seed into her with a loud groan. This caused a wave of pleasure to shoot through Fluttershy as she came along with him. After both of them came down, they laid down on Blueblood's bed together. “That… was wonderful!” Blueblood said with a relaxed smile. “I'm happy that you enjoyed yourself, Blueblood,” Fluttershy said snuggling in close next to him. “You're truly an amazing mare, Madam Butterfly,” Blueblood said, using her title when on the clock, “I've never seen a pony that actually enjoys this line of work.” “Well, why wouldn't I enjoy it?” Fluttershy asked, “Especially when I get to spend nights with ponies as sweet as you.” Blueblood laughed a bit, “Well, sweet now, thanks to your help. Thank you again for coming to see me.” “You're quite welcome, Blueblood,” Fluttershy moved to lay on top of him and looked him in the eyes, “Anytime you need me, just call and I'll be there.” With that, Fluttershy leaned in and kissed Blueblood, the powerful white stallion wrapping his arms around her as they kissed. She could feel the relief radiating off of him. Just having someone show him a bit of love helped him immensely. That was all she cared about. That, and the 500 bits he paid her. You're a PROSTITUTE?! Well… I prefer the title “Escort”, but… yes. I am. It's not something that a lot of ponies know about me, but it's how I pay my bills, especially with the Animal Sanctuary. You mentioned that you enjoyed it. Um… I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around anypony WANTING to be in that field. All ponies need to feel loved. Love, and even sex, are important things that no pony should have to be without. The problem is that some ponies have no means of actually getting that. They're not in relationships, can't GET a relationship for whatever reason, or might be with a partner that isn't loving in that way. That's where I come in. Ponies pay me, and I give them the feeling of love and adoration, and yes, sex as well. Huh… that's interesting. Also, the benefits of having sex are well documented. Ponies that are sexually active are calmer, are sharper thinkers, more creative, and are even healthier. Why SHOULDN'T ponies be able to get that? Wow… I guess that does make sense. When you explain it like that, you're giving ponies something wonderful. Also, this has done wonders for my self esteem. I'm more confident, I feel sexier, and I've been able to speak up more and be myself. Becoming “Madam Butterfly” has been the best thing that could have happened to me. So if that's true, where does Silver Streak come into play? He started out as one of my clients. He was new, and asked for the full package. Normally I research new clients' backgrounds ahead of time before I take on a new job, but for some reason I skipped that this time. He was already well known in the media for his flight team, so I stupidly figured… I'd just take a chance. And… I paid for it… She already got a bad vibe from this. Normally she liked to meet in higher class places, but Silver Streak had given her the address of what was more of a rundown motel. Why was the leader of a flight team meeting her here? Maybe she should have asked Discord to look into this stallion for her. Oooh, it was too late now though. She was here, and her client was expecting her to show. Wearing her sexy red dress, matching high heels, long red trench coat and large hat, Fluttershy walked over to the room that was said to be his and knocked on the door. A second later, the white coat and gray maned Silver Streak opened the door. “Whoa! This is a surprise,” Silver Streak said with a smirk, “I wasn't expecting Kindness on the Council of Friendship to be Madam Butterfly. I mean, Generosity maybe, but this is a surprise.” She wasn't sure how she felt, hearing him talk about one of her closest friends and calling her essentially a slut. Still, she shrugged it off. “You payed for the full package,” Fluttershy said, “That means you want this to be an actual date with sex at the end, right?” “Well…” Silver Streak looked to the side smirking, “Why don't you come in and make yourself comfortable?” “Um… I don't know,” Fluttershy felt really uncomfortable with this for some reason. “Is something wrong?” Silver Streak asked caressing her cheek, “I payed for the full package, so that means I get the date of my choice, right?” “I-I mean, I guess it could be interpreted that way,” Fluttershy said looking to the side. Actually the description of the full package was “client gets to go on a date with me at a location of their preference, followed by sex at the end”. Still, if he wanted to spend time in his room for a bit, that was okay. Silver Streak guided Fluttershy into the simple room and closed the door. When she heard the door lock behind her, her heart leaped out of her chest. He then walked behind her and took off her coat and hat. “You smell very, Fluttershy,” he whispered into her ear, “That's your name, right? “I mean, it is,” Fluttershy said, “But I prefer to be called Madam Butterfly when on-” she gasped as Silver Streak grasped her breasts tightly. “Mmmm, you have such lovely breasts, Fluttershy,” Silver Streak said groping her. “U-um… this is typically the last thing we-” “Are you saying no to me?” Silver Streak asked with a dangerous edge, “I paid in full already, didn't I Fluttershy?” She really wished he'd stop using her real name like that. Even Blueblood knew to call her by her work name when they were together, and they were practically friends now. But, he was right. He did pay already. “Um… I-I mean… y-yes, but…” “See, I have very specific sexual desires,” Silver Streak whispered as he continued to grope Fluttershy's left breast, “I was hoping that tonight, you'd help me with that. That's what you do, right? You help ponies with their sexual needs?” Again with the misinterpretations. She helped ponies by offering to give them an “experience”. But… that could have been interpreted as how he said it, so… “Um… that is my job, I guess, it's just-” “Perfect,” he threw her onto the bed, and then reached to the side drawer. He then pulled out a pair of handcuffs, and used them to bind Fluttershy to the head board of the bed. This was beginning to make her super uncomfortable! She wasn't opposed to rougher play or fetishes, but she preferred to know ahead of time. “I'm not sure how I feel about this!” Fluttershy cried pulling at the handcuffs binding her, “Um, could you please-” he smacked her on the flank hard cutting her off. “Don't. Speak,” he commanded, “Right now, you're mine to do with as I please,” he then silenced her with a red ball gag, “And I plan on enjoying this to the fullest.” Fluttershy closed her eyes and started crying. He called her so he could rape her! What resulted was the roughest, most degrading sexual experience she had on the job. He kept her handcuffed to the bed the whole time, only adjusting her bindings, but never once letting her go. He also took her multiple times, and much to her dismay she actually did cum at least two of those times. All the while, she kept crying, pulling at her bindings and trying to beg him to release her. But he ignored her the whole time. It wasn't empowering. It was degrading. He kept calling me a slut, and made an absolute mess of me. When he was done, he threw me out of his room and forced me to fly home, dress, mane, and tail in disarray, and covered in his cum. I felt so filthy and used. Oh… my God… That wasn't even the only time he came for me either. After the first night, he came to my cottage a few days later and… “W-why are you here…?” Fluttershy asked backing away from the door of her house. It was daytime, and she was in her normal attire, yet here was Silver Streak, walking into her cottage like he belonged there. “I just thought I'd come to see where you lived,” he said looking around, “For a slut, you have a really nice cottage.” “You need to leave!” Fluttershy commanded, “Right now!” “See, I'm not sure I want to,” Silver Streak said closing the door and locking it, “I was thinking that maybe we could have an encore of the other night.” “No!” Fluttershy commanded, “First off, in the daytime, I'm not Madam Butterfly, and second off, you can't just come in here unannounced like this!” she backed up against a wall as Silver Streak walked closer to her, “N-now, I'm going to tell you one more time to-” he back handed her in the face. “Shut up,” he said sternly, “Now I came here for you, and I expected you to show a little more gratitude.” “How… dare you!” Fluttershy cried shoving him away from her, “That's it! I'm calling the guard on-” Silver Streak grabbed her by the wrist, turned her around, and roughly held her to the wall. He then proceeded to unbutton her jeans and stuck his fingers right inside of her. “You're gonna pay for shoving me, bitch,” Silver Streak seethed, “It's time I showed you your place!” Then came the second assault, this time in broad daylight in her own home. He only took her once, but he made sure that it was rough, raw, and leave her a mess just like last time. Afterward, he left her on the floor, and threw a few bits down next to her. “Thanks for the fuck,” Silver Streak said with a sneer, “We'll have to do this again.” With that he left her house. Now alone, she laid on the ground and cried harder than she'd cried in years. After an unknown period of time, her door swung open again, and somepony ran to her side. “Oh my God! Fluttershy!” Twilight cried scooping her up, “What happened?! Who did this to you?!” She could barely speak. All she could do was sob in Twilight's arms. Eventually, I did tell Twilight what happened. She was horrified, and immediately had him arrested. But… he's still harassing you. That means… I think you know where this is going… Fluttershy felt so small right now, sitting next to the judge being questioned by Silver Streak's lawyer. While her friends were all there to support her, including Blueblood, they could only do that. None of them were witnesses to the main assault, and they were too biased. Even Applejack was deemed as such. Therefore, none of them could help Fluttershy with this part. “Tell the court what your occupation is, Miss Fluttershy,” the Lawyer said pacing back and forth. “I… work as an animal caretaker…” Fluttershy said softly. “Mmm, but what is your second job?” the Defense Lawyer asked. “Objection!” Fluttershy's Lawyer, the prosecutor shouted, “Your Honor, relevance to the rape?” “Sustained,” the judge said, “Are you going somewhere with this?” “Yes, Your Honor,” the Defense Lawyer said, “Allow me to rephrase the question,” he leaned in close to Fluttershy, “It is true that you're a prostitute, and that you were hired by my client?” She closed her eyes tightly shedding tears, “Y-yes…” “Tell me, what did my client pay for?” “He… paid for the… the full package…” Fluttershy felt her heart drop. She could almost feel the judgment coming from the jury. “And… what does this full package entail?” “It… allows my clients to… get the full experience…” Fluttershy explained, “I take them on a date… of their choosing, and-” “A date of their choosing,” he repeated cutting her off, “So it's safe to say that you willingly give control to the client?” “Y-yes, but that doesn't give him the right to-” “You consented to allowing my client to have sex with you in the manner of his choosing, did you not?” “I-I mean, yes, for THAT night,” Fluttershy pressed, “But then he came to my house and-” “My client told me that he paid you for your services,” the Lawyer said with a confident smirk, “Was this a lie? Or did he not leave money right before he left.” “H-he did, but-” “No further questions, Your Honor,” the Defense Lawyer said sitting down next to Silver Streak, who kept smirking the whole time at her. Fluttershy rushed over to her Lawyer and cried in his arms. The only thing that could be done was wait for the jury to come to a decision. With how fast said decision was reached though, Fluttershy already knew the outcome. “Has the jury reached a verdict?” the judge asked. “We have, Your Honor,” the head juror said standing up, “We the jury, find the defendant… not guilty.” “WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “The hell he ain't guilty!” Applejack seethed. “Your Honor, you can't be serious!” Rarity cried. “Order! Order!” the judge slammed the gavel on his desk, “The jury has spoken. Court is dismissed!” With that, the court emptied out. Fluttershy couldn't stop crying. Even when her friends gathered around her, she was inconsolable. She looked back at Silver Streak, who shook hands with his lawyer, and then smirked at Fluttershy. Now she was trapped. After that, he began calling me more often, to the point where he'd monopolize my time with other clients. Every session with him is torture, but I can't fight him. If I resist, he'll go after my animals, or even ME. So… you just go to him whenever he calls? I'm not strong like my friends are. Besides, I've exhausted all of my other options. The only reason I don't just kill myself is because the Council of Friendship needs me. “What about Discord?” Sweetie Belle asked sitting next to Fluttershy on a nearby stone. “He wanted to torture Silver Streak for her actions,” Fluttershy admitted looking down, “But he made a pact with the Princesses that he'd never use his magic on another living pony again.” That made sense. It would be too easy for him, and there was always the risk that he'd return to his old ways. Still, she could only imagine how Discord felt, knowing that his best friend was in turmoil and not being able to do anything but watch. “This is my only option,” Fluttershy sobbed, “Either the Dark Brotherhood kills him, or…” “Fine,” Sweetie Belle said, “I'll do it.” Fluttershy stopped and turned to Sweetie Belle in shock, “Are you… sure…?” “There's no other solution, right?” Sweetie Belle turned to Fluttershy, “You summoned the Dark Brotherhood, and well, I don't think they'll mind if I just take this job personally," especially if she used her free kill for it. “Sweetie Belle… does Rarity know that you're-” “No, she doesn't,” Sweetie Belle said sternly, looking Fluttershy dead in the eyes. After a moment, Fluttershy nodded. “Then, I won't tell her,” Fluttershy said, “After you've… done it, please come back to me.” “I will,” Sweetie Belle said with a nod, “The Dark Brotherhood accepts your request.” “Thank you,” Fluttershy said smiling a bit in relief, “Thank you so much.” Sweetie Belle simply turned and walked out of the Everfree Forest, back to her home. Tomorrow was a school day, and apparently Silver Streak was supposed to be speaking at her school. She read him then. As she returned home, she let her mind wander to the request she heard, and how she felt. The scary thing was, she didn't feel the least bit guilty for wanting to kill him. After all, he hurt someone close to her. I hate you, Silver Streak. I'm going to make sure you're death is slow, and painful. > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 Sweetie Belle took the rest of her weekend to get herself mentally prepared for what she was going to do. She couldn't believe it. She was actually planning on killing a pony! This wasn't like Rumble. That was self defense ultimately. That and a bit of an accident. This was her choosing to actually take a pony's life herself. Could she actually do this? The night before she went back to school for the week, she sat in her bed nursing her dagger. Silver Streak was a horrible pony based off what Fluttershy had told her, but did he truly deserve to die? “Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked knocking on the door, “You're light's still on, are you up?” “Y-yeah,” Sweetie Belle said putting the dagger away, “I'm up. Come in.” Rarity opened the door and stepped in looking worried, “Sweetie Belle, it's awfully late. Shouldn't you be in bed?” “I couldn't sleep,” Sweetie Belle sighed looking away, “I've been… thinking about a lot lately.” “Is there anything you'd like to talk about?” Rarity asked sitting on the bed next to Sweetie Belle. “N-not really,” Sweetie Belle hugged her legs close to her chest, “I just… need to work some things out in my head.” “Sweetie Belle, I can assure that there's nothing you could say that I wouldn't understand,” Rarity said placing a hand on her sister's shoulder, “Talking to another pony might help put things into perspective.” Oh if only that were true, Sweetie Belle thought. Still, she did wonder what Rarity would do in this situation. “Rarity, let's say that someone you cared about was in danger,” Sweetie Belle started, “Like, someone was hurting them, and… there was no way for this pony to get out if it. What would you do?” “Well, if it's a legal issue, I'd have this pony arrested,” Rarity answered. “What if that didn't work though?” Sweetie Belle pressed, “Like, the system failed, and now this friend was constantly being harassed. What would you do then?” Rarity took a deep breath, “That's… a hard one honestly. I mean, the natural response to that would be to want to take matters into your own hands, but…” “But…?” “There are laws against that. That's the hard reality, isn't it? Truth is… we want to help everypony, but we can't save everyone,” Rarity looked somber, “There are a number of moments in my life where I wish I could have taken action myself, but the law prevents that. Our system isn't perfect, but… there isn't much we can do about it.” “But… hypothetically, if you could do something, and you knew without a doubt that you wouldn't get caught, you'd do it?” “Hypothetically? I suppose I would take action then,” Rarity confirmed. “Y-you would?” Sweetie Belle asked a bit shocked. “Tell me, this friend, if nothing is done, what will happen?” Rarity asked, now intrigued apparently. “I don't know. That's the scary part, Rarity. This pony is at the end of their rope. The system failed them, and now somepony is harassing them, and… there's nothing they can do.” Rarity took a deep breath, “I see. Interesting.” “How so?” “Well, what you're describing, it reminds me of something that… a friend of mine is going through right now.” Did she mean… “Um… who is it? If you don't mind telling me.” Rarity looked to the side unsure, but then relented, “It's… Fluttershy. I shouldn't put her business out there, but… recently I heard from Rainbow Dash that a pony has been harassing her. Someone that we know very well. He was arrested, but because of a technicality, he walked.” She was talking about Silver Streak, “How does it feel? Knowing that he's still hurting Fluttershy?” “I hate it,” Rarity said immediately, “Honestly, I wish he'd just… go away.” That resonated with Sweetie Belle. That phrase. Go away. “If you could make him go away right now, and you knew that you wouldn't get caught, would you do it?” Sweetie Belle asked. “In a heartbeat,” Rarity stated venomously, “The only thing stopping me from doing it right now is, well, you know.” “Yeah, I know,” Sweetie Belle said, secretly holding the dagger under her covers, “Hey, I'm going to try and get some sleep.” “Did I help you, darling?” Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle nodded with a slight smile. “Yeah, more than you realize.” Rarity smiled and kissed Sweetie Belle's forehead, right above her horn, “Good night Sis. I love you.” “Night Sis. I love you too,” Sweetie Belle said, lying down on her bed and pretending to drift off. Rarity stepped out of the room, and turned off the light before closing the door. Once she was sure she was alone, Sweetie Belle pulled out the dagger, this time gripping it. “It's decided then,” Sweetie Belle said darkly, “I'll make Silver Streak disappear, forever.” The following that at school, Silver Streak was apparently scheduled to give a presentation at her school. It was perfect, because it gave her a chance to scope out the target. She read the book that Bloody Harvest gave her and learned that the Dark Brotherhood had a process that they followed. Step 1: Learn about the target's motives. This is to confirm that the target truly needs to be murdered. Sweetie Belle wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying. Mostly she was looking at his mannerisms. He was apparently talking about his flight team, the Silver Streaks. He was so arrogant that he even named his team after himself. “Gods, can you believe this asshole?” Sweetie Belle turned to her left and saw Diamond Tiara sitting back at her desk with a smug smile. “Um, what?” Sweetie Belle asked. “This guy's a real piece of work,” Diamond Tiara said, “It's almost like he actually believes his own bullshit.” “Look around,” Silver Streak said to the students, “Each and every one of you kids can become great. All you have to do is be willing to take what you want, by any means necessary. Let nothing stop you, and just like me, you can become the ruler of your world.” All of the students applauded, and were eating up his words. Sweetie Belle couldn't believe it. She looked around, seeing even Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looking inspired. Next to her, Diamond Tiara shook her head and rolled her eyes, and in the back, Silver Spoon sat back in her seat hiding her face behind a book. At least some of them aren't falling for it. She looked up at Silver Streak, taking note of his mannerisms again. The way he sat up straighter, the smirk on his face, and the way his wings flared out. He felt empowered. He was almost driven by the applause. Is that all he cares about? “That was truly inspiring,” Cheerilee said clapping her hands as well, “Now, are there any questions from the students.” “Yes,” Sweetie Belle raised her hand, “I have a question.” Silver Streak's eyes went to her, and twinkled in an odd manner. He licked his lips in a very subtle way, making Sweetie Belle cringe internally. Oh my Gods, he is NOT checking me out! I'm like, thirteen! “Go ahead, Sweetie Belle,” Cheerilee said, a little nervous, “What's your question?” “You said that in order to become the rulers of our worlds, we have to have the courage to take what we want, by any means necessary, right?” Sweetie Belle asked, crossing her legs under her desk, hating how she could see his eyes lower to her view them. “Yeah, that's right Sweetie,” Silver Streak said. “It's Sweetie Belle,” she shot back at him, “I was just wondering what you'd do if the thing that you wanted, didn't want you.” Silver Streak frowned a bit confused, “I'm, not sure I understand.” “Like, if what you were striving to get, was out of your reach?” Sweetie Belle sat back and folded her arms, “Or was just, not yours to have? What would you do then?” “Nothing is out of my reach,” Silver Streak said arrogantly, “If I want it, I'll take it.” “And if the thing that you want resists, what then?” Sweetie Belle asked darkly, narrowing her eyes. “If that's the case,” he walked over to Sweetie Belle, placing his hands on her desk and looking her in the eyes, “Then all you have to do is persuade it. Even then, if it figuratively says “no”, all you have to do is say yes right to its face.” Oh yeah, she could tell. He was exactly what Fluttershy said he was, and he wasn't even sorry. Cheerilee laughed awkwardly, “Okay, that's enough. Um, why don't we all go out for recess? Silver Streak, could you stick around for a bit.” “Sure thing, Miss Cheerilee,” Silver Streak said, putting on a fake smile, “Whatever you say.” Sweetie Belle noticed that his eyes went right to her breasts when he turned to Cheerilee. She was incredulous. Oh you have GOT to be kidding me! He's already raping Fluttershy, and he's checking out my teacher?! As the students all rose up to head out, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo walked over to Sweetie Belle. “So, what was that about?” Apple Bloom asked her gothic friend, “You sounded like you were attackin' him or somethin.” “You couldn't tell?” Sweetie Belle asked, taken aback, “He doesn't believe any of this shit! All he's trying to do is look good for Miss Cheerilee!” “I was inspired though,” Scootaloo said rubbing her arm, “I mean, the whole class was.” “It's not hard to say a bunch of inspiring words that make ponies think they can do anything,” Sweetie Belle said harshly, “Ponies do it all the time, and make money off of it. Besides, I know you noticed how he was checking me out.” “Sweetie Belle, I mean,” Apple Bloom looked away grimacing, “Ah don't know. That's kind of a stretch.” “He was looking at my legs!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, “I even saw him licking his lips!” “Well, if he was… it might be because you're still dressed so… you know,” Scootaloo winced. “That's not the point!” Sweetie Belle said, “He's an adult, I'm a kid! It's creepy as fuck!” “Whoa, whoa, language!” Scootaloo scolded lightly, “Okay, I mean, if he was, that is creepy, but it doesn't mean he's going to do anything.” She couldn't believe it. They literally only saw what they wanted to see. Were they that determined to see him as a good pony? “Sweetie Belle, could I talk to you for a bit?” Cheerilee requested. Sweetie Belle groaned. “Great, now I get to be scolded by her,” Sweetie Belle sighed. She rolled her eyes and pushed past her friends without a word. They both shrugged and went out of the classroom outside. “Sweetie Belle, those questions seemed like a personal attack on Silver Streak. Is everything okay?” Cheerilee asked. “Nothing is wrong, Miss Cheerilee,” Sweetie Belle muttered rubbing her arm, “Can I just go outside?” Cheerilee sighed placing a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulders, “I'm just worried about you, Sweetie Belle. Lately it seems like you're always angry about something, and then this. You made Silver Streak uncomfortable.” Sweetie Belle wanted to say that he made her uncomfortable, but refrained. Instead, she tried a different approach. “What about Fluttershy?” Sweetie Belle asked Cheerilee almost accusingly, “You know that he's a rapist, right?” Cheerilee gasped and pulled Sweetie Belle to the corner of the classroom, “Sweetie Belle, what have you heard about that?!” “I heard that he raped Fluttershy and then got arrested!” Sweetie Belle shot, “The only reason he's not in jail right now is because he walked! Why is he even here?!” “I don't know how you found this out,” Cheerilee said looking around a bit, “But he was proven innocent.” “No, he was judged innocent. Does that make Fluttershy a liar?” Sweetie Belle asked. Cheerilee bit her lip looking away from Sweetie Belle. “I don't want to say yes, but… there are things about her that I'd rather not tell a child.” Sweetie Belle was aghast. Cheerilee honestly was judging Fluttershy because she was a prostitute. Suddenly, she wasn't sure how she felt about her teacher. “I'm going outside,” Sweetie Belle turned and walked to the door. “Sweetie Belle-” she slammed the door shut, refusing to even look at her teacher, who had lost a lot of respect from Sweetie Belle. She walked down the hall to the exit of the school, seeing Silver Streak waiting for her by the door. “So, are we okay, Sweetie?” Silver Streak asked with that same smug smile. Sweetie Belle took a deep breath. “Belle. Sweetie Belle,” she said through gritted teeth, “And no, we're not okay. I know what you did.” “What are you talking about?” Silver Streak asked walking over to Sweetie Belle, “Did I do something to offend you?” “I don't know. Gone to visit Fluttershy lately,” Sweetie Belle asked venomously. The way Silver Streak's eyes widened briefly said everything. That was step two. Step 2: Confront the target. Let them know that their crimes won't go unpunished. Do not mention the brotherhood yet. “I'd be very careful, if I were you,” Silver Streak narrowed his eyes, “You don't want to start accusing ponies of things they didn't do.” “I'm not,” Sweetie Belle said narrowing her eyes as well, “I'm just letting you know that there are ponies out there who know the truth, and they're not pleased with you.” “Oooh, I'm so scared,” Silver Streak taunted waving his arms, “Did she put you up to this?” “No, she didn't,” Sweetie Belle lied, “But she's a very good friend of mine, and she's afraid of you. Now, I'm going to give you one chance to make this right. One, and that's it. Will you leave Fluttershy alone?” Silver Streak laughed loudly, “Listen to you! You're trying to sound intimidating! Look, Sweetie, you seem like a good kid, and I like your spirit,” he backed her up against a wall and leaned in close to her, “But if I were you, I'd stay out of the affairs of adults. What goes on between me and that whore of a pegasus, is our business. Now, I'll let this go, if you apologize to me.” Sweetie Belle's heart was racing, but she knew that this wasn't going to work. He wasn't the type to retaliate, nor would he be afraid of a warning. So she nodded. “You're right Mr. Streak. I should stay out of adult affairs. I'm sorry if I upset you.” Silver Streak smirked, “It's fine. I accept your apology.” With that, he moved out of the way, and Sweetie Belle pushed outside. Her hatred for Silver Streak was growing. He wasn't just a criminal. He was a monster. He was even worse than Rumble. Him, she killed by accident, and she at the time regretted it. Silver Streak, she'd enjoy killing. “Wait, was she serious?” Diamond Tiara asked, hiding behind a corner listening to that exchange, “Oh Hermes, it's just like that book I read. Could she actually be with THEM?” she looked down in deep thought, “I better keep an eye on this, just in case.” School ended without incident. Thankfully Silver Streak stayed at the school for the rest of the day. She didn't want him to mess around and go after Fluttershy. She was following the guidelines of the book, but she knew there was a risk of him hurting Fluttershy. Especially since she still had school. Once it ended though, Sweetie Belle ran away from the school building before anyone had the chance to get her attention. She stayed close to Silver Streak, noticing that he seemed to be real busy through town. At one point, he did track down Fluttershy, actually watching her while she was talking to Twilight about something. The way he narrowed his eyes at her had Sweetie Belle worried, but as she was with a friend, she was safe. Still, she knew that she had to see this through now, or else Silver Streak was going to get revenge on Fluttershy. She shadowed him for the rest of the day, keeping a distance and observing him as he moved around through the day. She wanted to make sure she got him when he was alone. Step 3: Watch the target, and capture them when they're alone if possible. If not possible, ensure that you have an escape route. She followed Silver Streak all the way toward where his hotel was apparently. It was close to an entrance to the Everfree forest, so that was good. He stood outside of the hotel and lit up a cigarette, which gave Sweetie Belle the opening that she needed. It's all or nothing now. Time to make this world just a bit cleaner. Silver Streak finished his cigarette and flicked it away. He debated on whether or not to call Fluttershy. He didn't think that she had anything to do with that weird kid in the gothic dress, but still. She knew about what happened, and she could end up getting others involved. So maybe he should head over to her place and shut her up good. Right when he resolved to head over though, he saw someone walking over to him. They stepped out of the shadows, revealing that filly. She slowly sauntered over to him, her eyes downcast, and her horn glowing a light green. “What are you doing out here?” he asked, “Shouldn't you be home doing your homework?” “I am,” Sweetie Belle looked up at Silver Streak, giving him a hateful glare, “And you're my assignment.” She shot a bright green light out of her horn, and a second later his whole world went dark. Silver Streak stirred awake, realizing that he couldn't move. There was a tree behind him, and he was tightly bound to it, sitting in front of the tree with his legs spread out. Even his wings were spread out and tied to the tree. He seemed to be in the Everfree Forest. “Finally. I thought that you'd never wake up.” Sweetie Belle was sitting on a nearby boulder, her math book open, and using her horn as a light, as it was nighttime now. “I was able to finish all of my homework from school,” Sweetie Belle said, closing her book and walking over to Silver Streak, “You're a real heavy sleeper, you know that?” Silver Streak shook his head laughing, “Oh this is rich. This is some kind of prank, isn't it?” “No prank,” Sweetie Belle knelt down in front of him, “I warned you, didn't I? That there were ponies who weren't pleased with what you were doing with Fluttershy?” “She did put you up to this, didn't she?” Silver Streak seethed, struggling against the ropes. “She called for help, and I just so happened to be the one who answered,” she lifted up the side of her black skirt, pulling out her dagger and holding it as his neck, “I'm here to take your life in the name of the Night Mother.” Silver Streak's eyes widened, and he looked down at the dagger. For a second he seemed to be trying to rationalize what was happening, but then he laughed, “You're here to kill me?! Come on, Sweetie, you're not really going to-” he screamed as she stabbed him in the shoulder. “How many times do I have to say it?!” Sweetie Belle shouted, “My name is Sweetie Belle! I'm not your “Sweetie” or anything like it!” “You're… insane!” Silver Streak said wincing in pain, “You're going to be in a lot of trouble for this, you know that?!” “I'm going to be in a lot of trouble? I'm not the one who gets pleasure in raping innocent mares! I'm not the one who harassed Fluttershy to the point where she's all but completely broken! She's the nicest pony I've ever met, and you treat her like she's nothing but a cheap slut!” “That's because she is a slut!” Silver Streak seethed. Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes at Silver Streak. “What?” Sweetie Belle asked, her voice low and even. “I did research on that bitch before I called her,” Silver Streak said with a sneer, “Not only is she a prostitute, but get this. She enjoys it. A filthy slut inside and out. I figured that I'd do her a favor and make her feel like a real slut.” Sweetie Belle looked away nodding, “So, you literally did this, just to hurt her.” “That bitch thinks she's doing the world a “service”, that she's “helping” ponies. All she's doing is feeding her own addiction. So now she gets to feed my addiction. I get a helpless bitch to fuck anytime I want, and she gets the fucking that she needs and deserves.” Sweetie Belle took that in, “Thank you, Silver Streak.” He raised an eyebrow, “What are you thanking me for?” “For telling me that. I'll admit, I was having second thoughts about this, like, could I actually do this. But… now that I heard you, I realized something,” she turned to Silver Streak with a look of realization, “I actually do want to kill you.” The color faded from Silver Streak's face, “Wait, were you serious about killing me?” “But, I don't want to it quickly,” Sweetie Belle took her dagger and ran is along his cheek, “No, I want you to suffer a bit. I want this death to be as painful as possible.” Silver Streak winced in pain as the dagger ran down his cheek. He couldn't speak at all, and just looked at Sweetie Belle in horror as the reality hit him. He wasn't leaving this forest alive. “Now, what can I do that's really going to hurt?” Sweetie Belle said thoughtfully, “Oh, I know. That's perfect.” “W-what's perfect?” Silver Streak asked trembling. Sweetie Belle went to his pants and lowered them, revealing his dick. His eyes went wide as he saw the dagger run along it. “I was thinking a bit of poetic justice,” Sweetie Belle said examining the member before her, “You like tying up mares and taking their power away, right? Well, now you're tied up, and I'm going to take your power away.” “No… No please!” he begged as his cock was held in Sweetie Belle's magic aura, “Don't do this! Stop! STOP!!!” SLICE He screamed loudly as the gothic preteen sliced his dick clean off with her black dagger. Sweetie Belle stood over him and looked down in hatred as the grown stallion cried his eyes out in pain. “Do you like this feeling?” Sweetie Belle asked scowling at the stallion, “This is exactly how Fluttershy feels right now. This is what you do to her!” “I-I'm sorry!” Silver Streak sobbed looking up at Sweetie Belle, “Please, have mercy!” “It's too late for mercy!” she stabbed her dagger in his left wing, pinning it to the tree and making him scream again. She stormed over to her backpack and pulled out her Dark Brotherhood book and showed it to Silver Streak, “Tell me, do you know what this is?” Silver Streak looked at the book's title and read it, “The Dark Brotherhood? B-but they're just a…” he looked up at Sweetie Belle, a horrified look on his face, “Oh Gods…” “They're real,” Sweetie Belle said, voice low and oozing with venom, “And I'm one of their members. Fluttershy performed the Black Sacrament, and the Night Mother sent me as her black angel of judgment.” “But… y-you're a…” he trembled. “Now, before I kill you, I want you to do something,” she pulled out her dagger, “Say my name.” “I…” Silver Streak screamed again as Sweetie Belle used her magic to blast his wing clean off. “Say my name!” Sweetie Belle commanded. Silver Streak was still screaming, and Sweetie Belle gripped him by the mane getting right in the face, “SAY! MY! NAME!!!” “SWEETIE BELLE!!!” Silver Streak screamed. Sweetie Belle charged her horn to full power, and for a split second, her eyes flashed red. “AND DON'T YOU FUCKING FORGET IT!!!” she fired another large blast out of her horn at Silver Streak, hitting him right in the chest and going through him. The life left him immediately. Silver Streak was assassinated. Sweetie Belle stepped away from Silver Streak's body and looked over her work. She had done it. She had killed him. She killed someone, and did it of her own free will. Her heart was racing, and she stepped away from the deceased trembling. “I… I killed him…” Sweetie Belle said to herself, “I killed… another pony…” “And what a glorious kill it was, Sweetie Belle.” Sweetie Belle turned around suddenly, and saw a mare walk toward her, wearing the skintight red and black body suit and hooded mask of the Dark Brotherhood. Her shimmering blue eyes cutting through the darkness. “Bloody Harvest…” Sweetie Belle said, tearing up a bit at the sight of the mare that introduced her to this side of herself. She was right. She did kill again. And she did wanted to kill him. Bloody Harvest stood before Sweetie Belle, and pulled her into a comforting embrace. “It's okay, Sweetie Belle,” Bloody Harvest said, her voice a soft comforting whisper, “The first and second ones are always the hardest. Just let it out, child.” Sweetie Belle completely broke down, and actually held onto Bloody Harvest in a tight embrace. She didn't know if she hated this mare or not, but right now, she was the only one who understood what was going on in her head. But oddly, the more the thought about it, the more she realized it. She wasn't guilty in the slightest. > Chapter 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6 Fluttershy couldn't remember the last time she was this nervous. She knew that it wouldn't be taken care of quickly, but it had already been two days. She didn't want Silver Streak to come to her house and attack her or her anima- KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK Fluttershy yelped in shock, and slowly turned to the door trembling. It was late, and she hadn't seen him at all today. Was that… “Fluttershy, it's me,” Sweetie Belle said from outside, “I know its late, but could I come in?” Fluttershy's heart leaped out of her chest. It was Sweetie Belle. Did that mean that she did it? She ran over to the door and opened it slightly, poking her head out and looking at the young girl. “Is it over?” she asked softly. Sweetie Belle nodded. “Yeah Fluttershy,” she said somberly, “It's over now. Silver Streak won't bother you again. Fluttershy's eyes widened. This wasn't real, was it? The nightmare was over? She was free now? Before she could stop them, tears began to stream down her face. She then opened the door completely and pulled Sweetie Belle into a tight embrace. “Thank you!” she cried, “Thank you so much, Sweetie Belle!” “Y-you're welcome,” Sweetie Belle said softly, wrapping her arms around the crying pegasus. Sweetie Belle was invited in for tea, so she came up with an alibi that would appease Rarity and chose to stay with Fluttershy for a bit. She spent a full three minutes crying, and had finally recovered enough to actually get up and move around. As she waited for Fluttershy to get back, Angel Bunny had jumped on her lap and nuzzled her. It seemed like he was thanking her for saving Fluttershy. In fact, at different points a few different animals came over to her and made various gestures or sounds that seemed synonymous with gratitude. “You were worried about her too, weren't you?” Sweetie Belle asked the normally bratty bunny in her lap, “It's okay now. The bad man is… is gone,” Sweetie Belle looked to the side biting her lip. She still couldn't believe that she had actually done it. She's actually killed a stallion herself. The scariest thing was, she didn't feel guilty about it. “Sorry about how long it took,” Fluttershy said, walking out of the kitchen with two cups of tea, “I, might have cried a bit again while I was in the kitchen.” “Are you okay, Fluttershy?” Sweetie Belle asked, taking the tea that Fluttershy handed to her. Fluttershy sat down next to Sweetie Belle, wrapping a wing around her. “Yes, I am,” Fluttershy said softly, “I mean, I'm happy that its done, but…” “Do you feel guilty for having him killed?” Sweetie Belle asked Fluttershy. “No,” Fluttershy replied immediately, “There was no other way. He wasn't going to stop harassing me. I think, if anything I'm just,” Fluttershy turned to Sweetie Belle and looked at her seriously, “Can I ask you to be honest with me?” “Y-yes,” Sweetie Belle said, her heart racing a bit. She had a feeling she knew what this was about. “I promise not to tell anyone, but, why are you with the Dark Brotherhood?” Fluttershy asked with clear reservation. Yeah, Sweetie Belle expected that. She took a deep breath and then looked down at her tea, “Okay, so, you know about Rumble, right? How he vanished.” “Yes, I remember that,” Fluttershy said with a slight frown, “You know where he is, don't you?” Sweetie Belle nodded, “He's dead. I… I killed him…” Fluttershy's eyes widened in shock, “S-Sweetie Belle. But… why?” “It was an accident, I swear!” Sweetie Belle urged, “He was coming onto me, and my body reacted, and before I knew it, I had… blasted him with my magic and…” “Oh my, Sweetie Belle…” Fluttershy put her tea on the coffee table and embraced Sweetie Belle. “The Dark Brotherhood approached me, and told me that if I joined them, they'd cover up Rumble's death,” Sweetie Belle said, tears welling up in her eyes, “Fluttershy, I'm not sorry that I did it. I'm not sorry that I killed Rumble, or that I killed Silver Streak.” “It's okay, honey,” Fluttershy petted her head softly, trying to help the young filly calm down. “Please don't tell Rarity,” Sweetie Belle begged looking into Fluttershy's eyes, “She'd be so upset if she knew! I don't want to get into trouble and get arrested and-” “You're not going to get arrested,” Fluttershy said, placing her hands on Sweetie Belle's shoulders and looking her in the eyes, “I'll keep your secret Sweetie Belle. No matter what, I won't tell anyone. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” “Fluttershy…” Sweetie Belle broke down and embraced the older mare tightly. Both of them had dark secrets, and they'd protect each other and their secrets no matter what. Fluttershy really was the Element of Kindness. “Ooh, I need to give you something,” Fluttershy released Sweetie Belle left the room briefly. When she came back, she had a pouch of some sort, “Here. It's not much of a reward, but this I don't even want to look at anymore.” Sweetie Belle took the pouch and opened it, her eyes widening in shock. Inside were coins! Fluttershy gave her MONEY! “F-Fluttershy, how much money is this?” Sweetie Belle asked looking up at the exuberant mare. “It's only three hundred bits,” Fluttershy said sheepishly, “The book said that the Dark Brotherhood get paid a lot more for their kills, but that's all I can spare.” ONLY three hundred? This was more money than Sweetie Belle had ever seen! “Thank you, Fluttershy!” Sweetie Belle said, still shocked by the gift, “I… wasn't expecting to be paid for this, but…” “No, thank you,” Fluttershy knelt down in front of Sweetie Belle and smiled peacefully, “You saved my life. Now I can begin working again, and not have to worry about Silver Streak ruining it for me.” Sweetie Belle took that smile in. This happened because she killed Silver Streak. She brought Fluttershy happiness. If she hadn't done that, then Fluttershy might have tried to hurt herself, or take the law into her own hands. This way, she was safe now. And best of all, her hands were clean. She was still unsure of how she felt about killing, but one thing was definitely made certain with that smile. I… I really did a good thing. I saved her life. After seeing Sweetie Belle out, Fluttershy leaned against the closed door and giggled. Said giggle increased in volume, until she was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. “I'm free! I'm truly truly free!” She flew in a circle around her living room, laughing happily the entire time. She didn't just feel like her normal self again. She felt BETTER than her normal self. She took matters into her own hands, and while she hadn't taken his life herself, she'd at least initiated it. Silver Streak was gone, and it because she called the Dark Brotherhood. She flew over to where she kept her cellphone, and pulled up Silver Streaks number. She wasted no time deleting it, along with anything that pertained to him. I hope you rot in Tartarus, Silver Streak. You'll never hurt me ever again. Fluttershy scrolled down her phone, stopping on Blueblood's number. He'd even left a text on her phone, just to check up on her and ask if she was okay. She smiled and dialed his number. “Hello?” “Hey there Blueblood,” Fluttershy said, leaning against a wall and twirling her mane around her finger a bit, “It's been a while, hasn't it?” “Yes, it has,” he sounded relieved, “You sound better now.” “I've had a pretty good night,” Fluttershy said twirling her mane around her finger, “Silver Streak hasn't called me in a while. Not sure why though.” “Well I'm not complaining. Personally, it'd be nice if you and I could meet up one day soon. I miss you a lot.” “I miss you too,” Fluttershy closed her eyes, feeling an old fire within her come out. She was returning, “So, would you like to buy my services tonight then?” “Um, if you're sure,” Blueblood said taken aback, “Um, I don't want to inconvenience you at all.” “Actually, work sounds wonderful right now. So much, that I might make this one on the house.” “M-Madam Butterfly, are you sure?” Blueblood asked, “I don't want to take away potential work from you.” “Right now, I just need to be with someone who cares,” Fluttershy said, blushing a bit, “Someone who can remind me of why I enjoy my escort work so much.” Blueblood was silent for a few seconds, “I understand, Madam Butterfly. Where do you want to meet?” “Your place,” Fluttershy requested, “I'll head over there in a few minutes.” “Perfect,” Blueblood said, “See you in a few.” Fluttershy kissed the phone and hung up. Leaning against the wall, she looked down with a soft smile, laughing softly to herself. “Time to let Madam Butterfly out to play again.” Sweetie Belle walked through Ponyville, stopping on the bridge where she killed Rumble. She looked down at the water, picturing Rumble's body against the rocks. That one was an accident. But, the more she thought about it, the more she had to wonder, was it an accident? She didn't have to use her horn like that, did she? She could have shot a weaker blast at him. Or maybe when he fell, she could have used her telekinesis to grab him. But no. Instead, she let him fall to his death. And what of Silver Streak? There was no excuse there. She planned it out, she captured him, and she killed him herself. He was a bad pony, and Fluttershy looked so happy when she found out that he was gone. There was no other way. The law abandoned Fluttershy, and with the exception of her friends, most ponies probably thought she was asking for it. Cheerilee was an example of that. Sweetie Belle leaned over the bridge a bit resting her arms on the side. She was so confused and frustrated. Was killing Silver Streak really the only solution in this? “What's wrong with my life right now?!” Sweetie Belle screamed in frustration, “Why is this happening to me?! Why is the world suddenly so screwed up?!” “Because now you look at the world with opened eyes.” Sweetie Belle was startled, and turned behind her to see Bloody Harvest behind her, leaning on the other side of the bridge. She'd removed her hood and mask, revealing her long red and black mane and gorgeous face. “What do you mean I'm seeing the world with opened eyes?” Sweetie Belle asked defensively. “Exactly what I said,” Bloody Harvest said walking toward Sweetie Belle, standing next to her and resting her arms on the railing as well, “You're beginning to see the true face of this world. Ponyville, Canterlot, all of Equestria really, it's all one big lie. “Ponies live their lives, go about their days, thinking that nothing bad happens. They see the good in everypony, and create this idealized world. A world where good people are good all the time, bad people get punished, you can count on the Guard to protect you, certain adults will always give good advice, and if you just do as they say, you'll grow up and live happy lives. They even tell you that if you follow your Cutie Mark, you'll find your purpose. But you, Sweetie Belle, have had your eyes opened to the true face of the world. “First, you saw someone that was the vision of good in your idealized world get pushed to the breaking point where she wanted to have someone killed. In your world, that yellow pony doesn't have a mean bone in her body. After all, she's the Element of Kindness, right?” “T-that's true,” Sweetie Belle looked down at the water again, “She's so nice. That was why I was so upset when I heard what Silver Streak had done. For her to be pushed to the point of wanting to kill him though… that just doesn't…” Bloody Harvest nodded sadly, “Next, you learned just how much the law protects some ponies. How a stallion as horrible as Silver Streak could not only walk away from committing a terrible crime, but also be seen as a hero.” Sweetie Belle's expression darkened, “I couldn't believe when I saw him in my school. Just because Fluttershy is an escort, she's the bad guy, and he gets to walk away and keep hurting her. My own teacher even sided with him.” “And that's the final thing you saw today,” Bloody Harvest continued, “You got to see just how flawed adults really are. They tell you to accept others, and to see the good in ponies around you.” “And then they turn around and judge a pony based on what they see,” Sweetie Belle finished for her, tears beginning to well up in her eyes, “I looked up to Miss Cheerilee so much, but when she judged Fluttershy like that…” “I'm sorry,” Bloody Harvest said placing a hand on Sweetie Belle's back, “I know this was a hard lesson to learn, but it was necessary.” “Was that why you gave me that free kill?” Sweetie Belle asked looking up at the older mare, who seemed to be about as old as Rarity. “It was,” she nodded, “By placing the life of one single pony in your hands, you were forced to see the true face of the world. Most ponies who join us are already adults, but you're so young. I needed to shatter the paradise that the adults in your life created for you. That way, you could choose for yourself what to do.” “Was there any other way?” Sweetie Belle asked, “Like… maybe having him locked up for something else?” “That isn't a perfect solution,” Bloody Harvest replied, “For one, he wouldn't be paying for what he did to Fluttershy. In a sense, she'd never get the justice that she wanted. Also, either way unless he committed a crime big enough, he'd eventually walk out of jail. What if he left out and continued to rape ponies?” Sweetie Belle looked down pained, “Fuck… this world is just so…” “That's why we're here,” Bloody Harvest said rubbing Sweetie Belle's back, “We're the blade of the ponies who are tired of this world. We're fighting a war, Sweetie Belle. A war against those who created this idealized world.” “The Dark Brotherhood?” Sweetie Belle asked. “We're not bad. We're honest,” Bloody Harvest explained, “In this world that only sees what it wants to see, we view the world for what it actually is, and we give ponies the chance to fight back against the ideal world. Sometimes we strike first, but most of the time we wait for ponies to do the Black Sacrament.” “It's sort of like what Fluttershy does,” Sweetie Belle realized, “She's a prostitute, but she does it for good reasons. She uses her body to help ponies. It's sort of like that, just with killing.” “Now you're beginning to understand,” Bloody Harvest smiled, “So Sweetie Belle, what do you say? Do you want to keep living in the illusion of your happy and pure life? Or, do you want to face the truth with your eyes open?” Sweetie Belle looked down thinking about that. Honestly, she couldn't go back to her simple life even if she wanted to. The past few days showed her that. This world was filthy, and Sweetie Belle couldn't stomach a world where ponies like Silver Streak were in power. She wanted to fight back. She reached for her dagger and pulled it out, examining it as the realization hit her. Now she could fight back. “I'm in,” Sweetie Belle said after a second, “Not just to cover my own sin anymore. But to clean up the sins of others, and use my sin to protect those I deem innocent.” Bloody Harvest turned to Sweetie Belle, smiled, and placed her hand on her head. “Then I officially welcome you into the Dark Brotherhood, my sister in arms.”