Sweetie Belle was a simple filly. She had a simple life, with simple wants and needs, simple friends living in a simple town with simple citizens.

Take right now for instance. All she wanted to do was simply disembowel Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon before simply blending them into a smoothie and simply serving them to whoever else might have the nerve to make fun of her. Simple as that, really. No explosions, no fancy traps, no hacks, just simple revenge.

However, such simple goals are highly illegal and probably violate all thirteen codes of the Celestial Convention, the rapidly diminishing voice of reason in Sweetie Belle’s head loudly proclaimed.

Temporarily winning out over the strange and very suddenly occurring violent intentions, Sweetie Belle’s mouth twisted into a sinister grin as a different, and altogether much more satisfying, plan pieced itself together in the dark swirling vortex that was now her mind.

From a distance, Sweetie Belle could observe her nemeses as they slowly meandered down Ponyville’s main street, most likely heading for home. Heads drooped low in defeat, tails tucked between their legs, and oversized egos temporarily miniaturized, the dreaded Sweetie Belle stalked her prey.  

The thoughts just overwhelmed her all at once. Oh, the delightfully simple things she could do to those two defenseless fillies. They’ve already been defeated, why not just kick them while they’re down? Why not rub some salt in their wounds? It’s like winning a battle. While you see the army retreating, why not chase them down and make sure they are completely and utterly dealt with, and will never harm you again?

From behind the terrifying, but adorable, beast, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo watched with apprehension as Sweetie Belle pushed forward with a seemingly one-track mindset. The two friends were entirely uncertain what to do at this point; the Sweetie Belle that they both knew and loved seemed to have taken a temporary vacation, leaving behind a vindictive, relentless husk.

“Er, Sweetie Belle? What exactly are we doin’ followin’ Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon? Y’all know how upset they can make ya.”

“Simple,” Sweetie Belle replied. “We’re going to make sure those two never bother us again.”

“Aww yeah! I’m with Sweetie Belle on this one!”  Scootaloo exclaimed. “Maybe THEY can be the ones covered in tree sap this time!”

“I have an even better idea,” Sweetie Belle purred, licking her lips in anticipation. Apple Bloom tried to shoot Scootaloo a worried glance at that, but was completely ignored. But, always loyal to her friends, she was determined to follow whatever crazed plan Sweetie was cooking up.

A beeping sound reverberated through Sweetie Belle’s ears. As she looked up to investigate the strange noise, she noticed her two targets had turned around. Quickly evading their line of sight, Sweetie Belle turned her back to face her companions, and gently pushed them into a small crowd of ponies nearby.  

A sort of sixth sense told Sweetie Belle that the two had continued their trek. Risking a glance, she turned back around and noticed that her instincts were correct, and she followed the faint trail of golden dust they had left behind, revealing that her prey stumbled into a dark alley with nowhere to run.

It was time to strike.

Beckoning for her friends to follow, Sweetie Belle darted into the alley. She was instantly rewarded with the satisfying sight of Diamond Tiara facing away from her, crying gently into her hoof as Silver Spoon slowly rubbed her back comfortingly. Diamond’s precious tiara was lying discarded a few feet away, a few rare smudges of dirt staining its otherwise flawless complexion.

It was even more perfect an opportunity than she had originally thought. How many chances does one get to both ridicule their enemy in front of the school, as well as ridicule them even more in their most vulnerable state?

“Oh don’t cry,” Sweetie Belle nearly whispered. “I haven’t even given you reason to…yet.”

The two bullies whirled around at the sudden voice, and instantly took up defensive stances upon beholding their accoster. Sweetie Belle’s malicious smirk grew wider as she beheld Diamond’s vain attempts to wipe away any evidence of her tears.

“Oh, it’s, like, only the blank flanks,” Diamond Tiara muttered softly, attempting to keep her voice steady. “What do you want?”

Sweetie Belle said nothing, but instead took a step forward.

“Just, like, ignore them Diamond,” Silver Spoon whispered encouragingly, motioning for her to walk away.  

“Like, fine,” Diamond Tiara growled, picking up her tiara and jamming it onto her head. She attempted to squeeze past Sweetie Belle as if she wasn’t there and exit the alley, but the white unicorn filly moved to block her. Temporarily stymied, Diamond Tiara tried to move to the other side, only to come muzzle-to-muzzle with Scootaloo. “Like, what’s the big deal? Let me out! I, like, have places to be!” Diamond loudly complained.

“Um, girls, what exactly are ya doin’?” Apple Bloom likewise questioned from behind them. She was, however, ignored.

There’s, like, another way out of this alley. Diamond Tiara thought. Huffing and turning completely around with her nose pointed into the air, the pink filly marched for the opposite exit.

Only to find her path completely blocked by a large pile of crates. Were those there before? Diamond could’ve sworn this alley opened up to the other side, but in her tearful haze she couldn’t be exactly sure.

Turning back around, Diamond Tiara tried to suppress her gulp of fear as she withheld the malicious smirk on Sweetie Belle’s face. Once again mustering up her bravado, Diamond Tiara marched right up to her blockade. “Hey! I’m, like, only going to ask nicely once! Get outta my way, or, like, my dad will be hearing about this!”

Sweetie Belle frowned in mock sympathy. “Oh, is poor wittle Diamond Tiara stuck in an alley? Aw boo hoo hoo,” she finished with a nasty sneer.

Diamond Tiara blinked in shock. Who was this and what did she do with Sweetie Belle? Where was the Sweetie Belle from moments ago that was crying onto Apple Bloom’s shoulder? Where was the Sweetie Belle that never stood up for herself and always let her friends soak the punishment? It was all she could do to muster up a response. “Like, what?!”

“Surprised?” Sweetie Belle cooed. “You should be. But save some for what I have planned next…” At that, the small, white horn on her head began to glow, charging up some spell. The two bullies took a fearful step backwards as their eyes widened.

“Like, what are you doing?!” Silver Spoon cried out. “Leave us alone!”

“Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom once again spoke up, pushing forward to spin her around. “What th’ hay has gotten inta you?!”

Sweetie Belle pushed Apple Bloom away with a small burst from her horn. “Leave you alone?”  she almost yelled to the bullies, ignoring her friend as she hit a wall with a soft ‘oof’. Scootaloo gave a yelp of surprise and rushed to help her friend, suddenly realizing that something seemed very, very wrong with Sweetie Belle. “Why? Did you ever leave us alone? Why should we give you mercy, when we were denied of it for years?”

“Like, we’re sorry, okay!” Diamond Tiara tried to backpedal, suddenly realizing that continually bothering a unicorn might have been a bad idea in retrospect. “There, I, like, said it! Please don’t hurt us!”

Laughter. A dark, sinister laughter echoed down the alley. It was all that was needed to chill straight to the bone. Like a cloak of shadows that blotted out the sun, so strong was the feeling of absolute dread and paranoia that swept through the dingy, isolated alleyway. There was no escape; no mercy.  

Death’s shadow loomed, stalking, waiting for his unsuspecting prey to be hoofed straight into his grasp. Vengeance, sweet, sweet vengeance would be delivered on this day.  

Laughing maniacally, Sweetie Belle began to lift into the air, her horn still glowing with a piercing white light, dust and debris whipping about the five small ponies. Truly, it was a miracle that nopony in the main street clued in to what was going on in the alley.

“Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo shouted over the din, holding a dazed Apple Bloom. “Okay, I take it back! This is going too far! This isn’t you! STOP!!”

But she was ignored. There was a flash of pure white light. The crack of thunder. The howling of the wind. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom screwed up their eyes against the harsh light, both mourning the loss of their old friend.

Darkness followed. And silence. Only the sound of panicked breathing could be heard. Slowly, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon opened their eyes. They...were alive?! They were alive! They had been spared! Praise be to Celestia and all that is bright and sunny!

Somewhere in the shadows, Death cursed under his breath and snapped his hoof. He’d get ‘em next time.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo opened their eyes as well, and were utterly shocked to see their arch-enemies still standing. No mutilated corpses. No smoldering craters. No portal to Tartarus. Just two confused - and very relieved-looking fillies, and one obliviously happy, humming white unicorn filly.

“There! All done!” Sweetie Belle chirped happily, acting surprisingly like her old self.

“Like...that’s it?” Diamond Tiara questioned slowly. “Like, what did you do? You had to have done something…” she muttered as she turned about in place, scanning the alley for any signs of tampering.

“You’ll seeeeee!” Sweetie Belle sung, hopping in place merrily.

“Like, whatever,” Diamond replied. “Can we like, go now?”

“Yep!”

“Thank Celestia,” she muttered. “C’mon Silver, let’s, like, get out of here.”

“Like, right behind you!” Silver Spoon chorused, eagerly dogging her friend as they headed for the exit of the alley.

What both fillies failed to notice, but what instantly was observed by Sweetie Belle’s friends, was the small change in their fortunes easily displayed by the markings on their flanks…

As the two bullies turned out of the alleyway, there was a sudden “Watch out!” The two fillies turned to see a rapidly oncoming carriage, shrieked loudly, and dived out of the way to safety...only to be splattered head to hoof in thick, smelly mud.

Scootaloo immediately burst out laughing, collapsing to the ground as she watched her nemeses struggle to clean the muck off of each other. Apple Bloom smirked, but showed a bit more restraint. Sweetie Belle just beamed proudly.

Suddenly, there was a call of “Look out below!” and both fillies looked up...just in time for a potted plant to smash straight into each of their faces, adding a wonderful mixture of dirt and fertilizer to the muddy concoction. The laughter of the three fillies intensified.

As Diamond Tiara shook away the birds and stars inexplicably circling her head, one last omen, courtesy of our good friend life, paid them a visit.  From somewhere closeby, Silver Spoon winced as her eyes were assaulted by a harsh, instantaneous white light source.  Rubbing her eyes to hopefully rid them of the colored blurs in her vision, she looked up to notice a scrawny pegasus with a camera fastened around his neck.  

Silver Spoon wanted to scream at him, but quicker than the sudden flash of his camera, Featherweight was gone. From somewhere far away, a deep voice suddenly shouted: “BRUTAL FATALITY!!”

The grey filly sighed. There was no point in fighting it anymore. The damage had been dealt, and there was no way to repair it. This day had done a number on the two, and all she wanted now was just a long, hot bath, and a hug.

And to get away from the uproarious laughter emerging from the terrible trio.

As Sweetie Belle exchanged high-hoofs with her friends, Scootaloo couldn’t withhold her excitement. “Wow, Sweetie Belle! That was just AWESOME! I have no idea how you did that, but I didn’t know you had it in you! And here I thought you had totally lost your mind. Oh, how wrong I was!”

“Ah have ta agree with Scootaloo on that one,” Apple Bloom agreed as the trio walked away from their flawless victory. “Ah thought y’all were looser in th’ head then a rusty ol’ gate! But Ah guess y’all were jest playin’ it up ta git their hearts a pitter-poundin’, yeah?”

“Totally!” Sweetie Belle enthused. Suddenly changing her tone to mimic her older sister, she proclaimed, “It’s simply all in the presentation, darling.” The three friends burst out laughing at that.

So busy were they, that nopony noticed the slight hints of red in Sweetie Belle’s eyes.

(\/);,,;(\/)

The front door to Diamond Tiara’s abode slammed shut and locked. She ignored the calls of her father as she led her friend upstairs to the bathroom to get cleaned up from all the dirt, mud, and shame. The day behind them had been a complete disaster.  Not only were they humiliated at school by Scootaloo, but they were bested by Sweetie Belle in the alley. Sweetie Belle! Of all ponies! It just didn’t seem right. Sweetie Belle was not a fighter; she was a coward.

An aura of defeat loomed in their presence, one that would not easily fade away. By tomorrow, every colt and filly in school would know of their ‘accident’ in the mud puddle. Oh, but it wouldn’t stop there. After school, the fillies would tell their parents, and their parents would tell their friends, and soon enough, the entire town would know of their shameful display. And that just simply wouldn’t do.

Not. At. All.

For this reason, Diamond Tiara seethed constantly as she turned on the hot water, allowing her large and rather luxurious bathtub to fill with hot, soapy water. “Like, I can’t believe those three! Chasing us down and making things, like, worse,” the pink filly raged. “Right now, I just want to like, get clean and forget about today.”

“Like, totally,” Silver Spoon agreed. “Is the water, like, ready yet?”

Diamond motioned toward the tub. “Yeah, get in.”

And so they began to vigorously wash away the mixture of filth and failure from their otherwise pristine coats. The routine was relatively silent, with only gentle scrubbing, sloshing of water, and the occasional defeated sniffling falling upon their ears.  

When they finished, Diamond unplugged the drain cap and allowed the water to wash down the pipes.  The two fillies grabbed a pair of warm, fluffy towels and dried themselves off, feeling a little better as they did so. Draping her towel around her shoulders, Diamond Tiara smirked at Silver Spoon. “Like, this isn’t over. We’ll figure out a way to get back at them, just like we always do. Tomorrow is, like, a new day! We’ve got this!”

“Like, yeah!” Silver Spoon cheered. The two fillies tossed away their towels before diving into one of their favored rituals.

“Like, bump, bump, sugar lump...rump?” As they finished their little routine, both fillies’ gazes were drawn to their connected rumps...and specifically the markings laid upon them.

“Um...Diamond?” Silver Spoon said softly, sounding nearly on the verge of tears.

“Y-Yeah, Silver?” the pink filly replied, equally shocked.

“A-are you sure we, like, scrubbed all the mud away?”

With a shaky hoof, Diamond reached for her mark, patting it to make sure it really WAS her own flesh and fur. Which it undoubtedly was. Her shaking doubled as the realization dawned on her.  The mark that adorned her flank, the beloved tiara that represented the core of her being, no, her entire LIFE, was gone.

Instead, what met her gaze was a simple image of a black cat running under a ladder. Shifting her purple eyes to the grey filly she was attached to, she beheld another image of a similar fashion: a broken mirror and a spilled salt shaker. She paled as a gray hoof gingerly petted the image, confirming it was also indeed for real.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

(\/);,,;(\/)

Sweetie Belle waved goodbye as her two companions went their separate ways. The day behind them had been long, a tad strange, and oddly rewarding. Not only did they ‘find’ an amulet that allowed Sweetie Belle to finally unlock her magical potential, but they used that power on their mortal enemies to send them running home with their tails between their legs and fresh, delicious tears in their eyes.

Arguably, it was one of the best days they ever had.

But alas, all good things must come to an end at some point or another, and today was no exception. The sun had almost ended its journey through the sky, and must, like living things, rest for the night until tomorrow comes.

There was, however, one last thing Sweetie Belle had to do before the day ended. Now that she could command magic, the entire world needed to know! Today was a day to be remembered and celebrated! And who else but her beloved sister Rarity needed to know first?

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle squeaked adorably as she threw open the door to Carousel Boutique. “Rarity! Rarity! Rarity!” she continued to shout as she sped through the slightly messy rooms. “Rarity!” she yelled one final time as she burst through the door to her sister’s inspiration room, where a very bedraggled and surprised-looking white unicorn was in the middle of some quality ‘organized chaos.’

“Sweetie Belle!” she replied, surprised and completely misinterpreting her sister’s boundless enthusiasm. “Whatever is the matter? Did something happen? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Sweetie Belle hastily responded. “In fact, I’m better than fine! I feel great!” The young unicorn bounced with fillyish delight. “I have something AMAZING to show you!”

The older unicorn sighed and rubbed her eyes. “Yes, well, that’s wonderful darling, but whatever it is I’m sure it can wait. You see, I’m JUST in the middle of coming up with this brand-new line for a very important customer and I’m just, well, in the zone, as it were,” she finished, turning back to her work with a yawn.

Sweetie Belle’s smile wavered. “But Rarity…”

“Listen, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said, cutting her off without turning from her work. “I’m sorry. I really am, but I just don’t have time for whatever it is you want to show me. Maybe tomorrow?”

“But...but...it’ll only take a moment, I prom-”

“Not another word, dear! I must return to my work at once! The bills don’t pay themselves, you know.”

Sweetie Belle stared down at her hooves, fighting desperately to keep back the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes. “Well...well...FINE!” she squeaked angrily. “I don’t care if you don’t wanna see! Maybe I’ll just keep it all to mySELF!” The door slammed angrily as one of the room’s occupants made a hasty retreat.

Rarity’s ears perked up at her sibling’s outrage, and she flinched guiltily. “Sweetie Belle, I understand you’re frustrated, but that’s no way for a lady to behave!” she called. Sighing briefly, she poked open the door and stuck her head out, checking for any sign of the smaller white unicorn. Nothing.

“I left you some dinner in the fridge! Help yourself!” she called again before turning to return to her work.

“Oh, and that necklace you were wearing was very fashionable! Most becoming of a young lady!” Rarity added cheerfully, realizing that the only detail that had been different about her sister as she paid her a cursory glance was what she was probably so eager to share with her.

(\/);,,;(\/)

Back downstairs, Sweetie Belle huffed with every step she took. How dare Rarity put her work above her own sister! How could she do that? Sisters are supposed to care for each other, and pay attention to them when they have something really cool to show them!

Did she learn nothing from the Sisterhooves Social incident? Apparently not! Whatever happened to all those promises to be a better sister? It was probably all just a ruse to keep her from denouncing her as a sister! She’d been right all along, Applejack was a better sister than Rarity will ever be!

No, no, you know that’s not true… a soft voice said in her head, the returning voice of reason. She’s just very busy and is extremely dedicated to her work, she’ll spend time with you tomorrow…

No, it’s NOT true! another voice thundered, this one much louder than the other. She’s a terrible sister! She makes you ANGRY!

Sweetie Belle felt her blood pressure rise as she became angrier and angrier, gradually drowning out the softer voice with cries of anger and calls for vengeance. This time, reason was unable to stem the growing tide of rage. She grinned evilly as a reddish tint took to her eyes, a marvelous plot forming in her mind. She’d show her! She’d show her good!

From behind her, a loud hissing sound was heard. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed a snow-white cat staring angrily at her with its claws extended. Sweetie Belle huffed once more and ignored the cat. Ever since Rarity first took in that cat Sweetie Belle never cared for it, and the feeling was mutual. Opal always took it upon herself to get rid of the younger unicorn, but she always showed back up.

Time to end this once and for all.

Opal hissed one last time and lunged for Sweetie Belle, taking her by surprise. The white unicorn screamed and flailed her body around, attempting to knock off the furry assailant. Once the threat was dislodged from her mane, unfortunately taking a fair chunk with it, a crimson flash sparked in her eyes, and her horn charged with magical power.

“Oh, you wanna play THAT way, huh?” Sweetie Belle seethed as she looked back at her ruined mane. “Well TWO can play at THAT game!”

Opal hissed and held her paw out, beckoning Sweetie Belle to make a move.

Sweetie Belle smirked. Too easy. There was another discharge of crimson light, and a sound not unlike a wet bedsheet being torn in two, followed shortly by a horrified screech.

Sweetie Belle looked on proudly as a mortified, and completely naked, Opal tore out of the room on a hellbent mission to find a safe place to lurk and shield her embarrassment from the world at large. Turning to the large pile of fluffy white fur, Sweetie Belle allowed herself a short cackle of amusement. She sure showed that furball who was boss. With another flash, Sweetie Belle casually restored her mane to its undamaged state.

Continuing on her business, Sweetie Belle’s thoughts became ever more twisted and murky…

(\/);,,;(\/)

SHHRRRRRIIIPP!!

Rarity’s head poked up over her organized chaos as she frowned in puzzlement. Now THAT was a strange noise, and it had seemed to come from her own downstairs. Great, what did Sweetie Belle make a mess of this time?

Gently, and a tiny bit hesitantly, Rarity pushed open her door. “Sweetie Belle? Was that you? Are you alright?” She did not receive a spoken response, per say, but there was an unmistakable pink blur that shot into her room, right between her hooves. “Opal? Whatever is the matter darling?” Rarity questioned sweetly as she cantered towards the small pile of shivering blankets.

Attempting to lift the blankets by hoof only rewarded her with a loud hiss, so Rarity decided to do so with magic. “Opalescence, darling, come out and let momma see what is wrong,” she tittered. Finally wrenching the fabrics free of Opal’s clawed grasp, she was struck dumb by what she saw.

Standing there was a very pink, very hairless, and VERY incensed-looking cat. Rarity felt her eye twitch a bit at the sight as she simply gaped, struck dumb by the sight before her. Spurred into action, Rarity quickly scooped up the cat in a gentle embrace and attempted to soothe the troubled feline. “Oh my stars, darling, what ever has happened to you?! Don’t worry, Opal, mommy’s here for you. First thing tomorrow morning I’ll stitch you up a sweater and try to find a spell to help you out. Does that sound okay? I mean, it won’t take that long...hopefully.” The only question that lingered in her mind was what exactly had transpired. Just five minutes ago Opalescence was normal looking… Sweetie Belle couldn’t have done this, now could she?

Her question was answered when a high-pitch chuckle echoed through the halls of the boutique. From the open door, Rarity watched as her sister’s tail vanished through the front door, just a few feet from where a pile of snow-white hair lay.

“Sweetie Belle?!”