Trit Trot through to the mirror By the Window, that is where I'll be, Come Trit Trot through the blossoms with me

Ponies say that if you wish upon a star, all your dreams will come true. Little did they know how true that really was.

Apple Bloom lay on top of a hill, watching Luna's glorious sky. She took note of the shining stars and the various constellations they made. She saw the Ram, the Alicorn, and the one that gave her shivers every time she thought of it, the Butcher. As she was watching the stars, she noticed a single, shimmering star rocket across the sky. Ooh! A shooting star! She thought, I wish for my cutie mark! She excitedly looked at her flank and waited for her Cutie Mark to appear. She waited for a long time till she eventually lost hope. She sadly got to her hooves and made her way to the farm. When she arrived she found Applejack waiting for her on the front porch. "There you are sugarcube! We've been worried sick!" Apple Bloom simply nodded and continued making her way to her room. She fell into her bed and began sobbing. It just isn't fair! she thought, everypony else has their cutie marks! Why can't I have one! After a couple of minutes, Apple Bloom cried herself into a light, fitful sleep.

Apple Bloom sat in the center of her cell, watching the white walls as if they were about to vanish. How ironic, she thought with a pained chuckle, What I wanted most wound up being my biggest nightmare… She was brought back to reality by the sound of a guard calling her. "Hey, prisoner! I'm talking to you!" She looked at the guard. "You're execution is tomorrow!" he barked out, "Enjoy your last night at our luxurious resort." He said with an arrogant sneer before walking down the hall. So… she thought, Tomorrow's the big day, huh? A sad smile formed on her face, What did I do to get myself here?

The next day, Apple Bloom arrived at school late. "Sorry Ahm late miss Cherilee!" She called as she rushed to her desk.

"Glad you could finally join us, Apple Bloom." Replied miss Cherilee. Apple Bloom sat down in her chair. "Now, as I was saying…" Cherilee continued, "Don't forget to start working on your group projects!" The class cheered, except for the CMC, Diamond Tiara and her lackey, Silver Spoon.

"Miss Cherilee." Said Diamond, raising her hand, "Do I have to work with that?" She asked, pointing to Apple Bloom.

"Hey!" Cried Apple Bloom.

"Now Diamond Tiara," began Cherilee, "I specifically put the two of you together so you could learn more about each other and hopefully become friends." She said in a stern voice.

"But why would I want to be friends with that?" She said, again pointing to Apple Bloom.

"Hey!" Said Apple Bloom, starting to feel a bit agitated. Why do I have to put up with her? She silently asked Miss Cherilee.

"See miss? It can't even say more than one word." Said Diamond, a smug smile on her face.

"Now wait just a minute!" Cried Apple Bloom.

"Oh my gosh! Congratulations! A full sentence!" Exclaimed Diamond, causing the class to erupt in giggles. It was too much for Apple Bloom to bear, and she ran out of the class, tearing up as she went. Miss Cherilee gave Diamond a stern look.

"I want you to apologize." She said, trying to control her voice.

"But-" Diamond began to object.

"Now!" Said Miss Cherilee. Diamond Tiara got up from her seat and began walking to the door.

"I hope Apple Bloom gives her a black eye, cause if not I will…" Scootaloo muttered under her breath.

"Now Scootaloo," said Sweetie, "You don't mean that."

"Yes I do Sweetie Belle!" snapped Scoots, "I'm tired of her always picking on us!"

That day… thought Apple Bloom as she sat in the silence of her cell.

Apple Bloom was sitting under a tree on top of a hill far away from the school. It was where she always went when she felt like crying. The grass was even flattened into a perfect seat for her. "Hey Apple Bloom." She quickly spun around, her eyes widening as she saw Diamond Tiara walking from behind the tree. "Miss Cherilee wants me to apologize, but we both know I'm right." She began, Apple Blooms hooves tightened into balls as anger quickly took control of her body. "Besides, you need me to pass this project. It's not like you can do it," she sneered, "You can't even speak properly." She added with a chuckle. Apple Blooms hooves clenched tighter. "So, I'm just gonna go say that I apologized and you accepted but that you wanted to be alone, got it?"

"No…" muttered Apple Bloom, "But you're gonna get it!" She yelled as she knocked Diamond Tiara to the floor. She sat on her chest and let out all the pent up anger she had. She began mercilessly beating Diamond's face, each strike denting it in and leaving a large gash. Diamond tried to put up a measly defense, but was quickly overpowered by the far more accustomed to work Apple Bloom.

She continued beating Diamond far after she had gone limp. She didn't stop when she felt her skull caved in, she didn't stop when her hooves were covered in Diamond's blood, she didn't stop when brain splattered out of her skull and splattered all over her favorite tree. She kept punching, kept striking, kept crying. "This is for that time you hurt Scootaloo! And when you made Sweetie cry! And when you turned my own cuz against me! And all those nights I cried myself to sleep!" Tears were streaming down her face as she continued her assault. When she finally stopped, she looked at the scenery. Diamond's face was beaten beyond a pulp, her blood and brains splattered all over the ground, the tree, and Apple Bloom. She looked at her hooves, wondering why she did it, when she heard a familiar voice, followed by another vomiting. "Apple Bloom?" She turned and saw Scootaloo staring at her, emotionless. Next to her was Sweetie Belle, regurgitating her lunch.

"Now let's get you cleaned up." Said Scootaloo. Apple Bloom lowered herself into the river and began washing herself, never making eye contact with the two fillies standing on the river bank. Once she was finished, she walked back over to where they had hidden Diamond's body. Deep in the older orchards, where no Apple had gone for generations. She was buried underneath the biggest, sturdiest oak they could find. The three fillies stood at the makeshift grave, not saying a word before Scootaloo broke the silence.

"So that's it, huh?" She asked, monotone and showing no emotion. The other two fillies looked at her, shocked.

"Whaddya mean 'that's it'?" Asked Apple Bloom, "She's dead!"

"Exactly… she's dead." Sweetie bell looked at Scootaloo, horrified.

"Is that all you can say!?" She stammered, "How uncouth!" Scootaloo looked her right in the eyes.

"She's dead now, it's over. We'll never have to put up with her again. Think about it girls." The two fillies thought about it.

"Soooo… does that mean no more bullying?" Asked Apple Bloom, a hoof to her chin in a pondering way.

"And no more ponies calling us blank flanks?" Added Sweetie Bell. There was a brief pause.

"...I guess so." Said Scootaloo. The three fillies stared at the grave of their greatest enemy. It was finally over, they were free.

Free… Oh how "freedom" rings… She thought as she heard the distinct chime of a bell signifying the execution of another prisoner.

Apple Bloom lay on top of a hill, watching Luna's glorious sky. She silently observed the shining stars in their eternal glory. It had been weeks since Diamond Tiara's "disappearance". She had been questioned, after all it was no secret that the two weren't on the best terms. She stuck to her story that Diamond had gone to apologize, she accepted then never saw her again. Eventually the Guard stopped coming and the investigation came to a close.

She saw a shooting star streaking across the sky. I wish… I wish… She stopped, unable to finish her usual wish for her cutie mark. She began crying. She looked back up to the night sky, her vision blurred by tears, as she chose a random star and made her wish. I just want to stop feeling so guilty! She sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes.

She looked sadly at her blank flank to find that something had appeared. Right on her flank was her cutie mark. An apple with a knife stuck in it. Her blood ran cold as she realized what her special talent was.

Looking back on that day showed Apple Bloom just how ironic and callous life could be. The one thing she wanted most wound up being her worst nightmare, her freedom her prison, her destiny a fate worse than death. It wasn't that she minded doing it. No. After all, her wish had finally come true. Once she realized why she was placed on this world, all her guilt, her worries, her very being died. Applebloom left and was replaced by the pony that called her body home.

As time went on, Apple Bloom became far more efficient at her talent. She already had a method all set. Lure a wandering traveler away from the path, back to what was once the CMC Clubhouse. She would lead them into seclusion then show off her talents. Scootaloo and Sweetie knew, they'd known from the first victim. Back when Apple Bloom was still learning, she missed a spot of blood during clean-up. The result was a permanent discoloration of that one spot. Scoots and Sweetie quickly picked up on the origins of the spot, but neither said a word.

Scootaloo had been detached and uncaring about what Apple Bloom did, as long as she wasn't made a part of it ever again. Sweetie was sickened by Apple Bloom's methods and procedures, but said bit her tongue and even offered to help during some clean-ups, all for the sake of their friendship.

Then the incident happened.

It had been years since Diamond Tiara. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were now all grown up. Sweetie became a famous singer, touring all across equestria. Scootaloo became a stuntmare, doing all the high-intensity scenes in the latest invention from the princesses "Television". She was one of the best at what she did, and was paid accordingly. Apple Bloom decided to stay on the farm and help with the family business in more ways than one. She had called the trio back together on multiple occasions to help her 'take care' of many competitors (Scootaloo eventually warmed up to the idea and gave Apple Bloom her full support).

Apple Bloom had called the others in for another job. Sweetie Bell had arrived early, as usual. Scootaloo was nowhere to be seen, as usual. Apple Bloom liked this, some structure in her life. It helped her, made her feel like she was more than a killer. She was in the former clubhouse, readying the supplies, when she heard a familiar voice enter the structure.

Apple Bloom's eyes began to water as her mind played the scene out in slow motion.

Sweetie Bell walked in. "Hey Apple Bloom." She said in her soothing, melodic voice.

"Hiya Sweets." She said.

"What're you getting this time?" Apple Bloom showed Sweetie Bell the assortment of drills, blades, bludgeons, and bindings that she was preparing. Sweetie Bell shuddered. Tsk… thought Apple Bloom, why does she always gotta react like that? She shrugged it off and began explaining what each tool did. Sweetie said she needed a moment and ran outside. At least she tried to.

Apple Bloom sprinted ahead of her and blocked the doorway. "Now wait just a minute…" She said. Sweetie Bell stopped in her tracks. She looked at her fellow crusader, and realized just how different she looked. Her mane was messy and unkempt, her skin growing paler. Her eyes were what scared Sweetie the most, dilated to pinpricks. She slowly advanced on Sweetie. "I have not waited so long, suffered so much, to lose a friend over her being a bit squeamish." Sweetie could only back up as her friend slowly got closer, advancing towards her. She backed up against a wall, quaking in fear as she felt a warm fluid run down her inner thigh. Apple Bloom gave her a lopsided smile, "the easiest way to explain what these do would be to use them on you."

With a leap, she flung herself at Sweetie Bell, punching her in the stomach and slamming her against the wall, never taking her hoof off Sweetie's stomach. Sweetie Bell lurched forward and vomited all over the floor as her stomach was flattened and the contents forced out. Apple Bloom grabbed her mane and slammed her head back against the wall.

Sweetie Bell's vision swam as she tried to make out different shapes. She felt a hoof slam into her face and immediately tasted copper. She struggled against the far stronger Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom shoved her foreleg against Sweetie's neck and slammed it against the wall. She immediately felt her struggles weaken. She kept pressing hard against Sweetie's neck, causing her energy to slowly ebb.

Sweetie Bell fought with all her heart, trying to beg for her life. Apple Bloom was far too powerful and Sweetie was finding it hard to even attempt breathing. Her vision slowly faded to black as she went limp for the last time.

The guards rushed to Apple Bloom's cell as soon as they heard her sobbing. They stood outside, looking at the pathetic display before them. Apple Bloom was curled into a ball, rocking herself back and forth as she wailed for unknown reasons.

"Yep… that's about it." One of the guards said.

"That's why she's here anyways, right?" Asked another.

"It'll be a mercy kill." Said the final guard before an awkward silence fell on them. They walked away, leaving Apple Bloom to fend off her own psyche alone.

After what felt like hours, she got up and called out to the guards to use the bathroom. They escorted her there and allowed her privacy to do her business. She opened the faucet and let the warm water flow into the sink, steam rising. She splashed some on her face and looked herself in the mirror. She wiped the mist off and saw a gruesome sight. It was her, but as a filly. It was covered in blood and smiling like a maniac. She stood there, paralyzed as the thing reached through the glass and grabbed her chest. With a surprising amount of force, the filly yanked Apple Bloom into the mirror, striking it with enough force to shatter it.

"Apple Bloom?" Apple Bloom turned to see Scootaloo staring at her, eyes wide with shock. "W-what's going on?" Apple Bloom froze. What is going on? she thought. Her mind went blank as everything around her faded to black. She felt an foreign object pressed against her foreleg. She turned and saw a beautiful white unicorn mare, her coat red with blood and her mane and tail messy from a struggle. She looked at the pitiful sight and wondered how she wound up like that. She felt a great weight slam into her, knocking her to the ground. She felt a similar weight land on her chest, pinning her to the ground. She looked into the darkness that surrounded her and saw that an orange pegasus mare had appeared from the shadows and was now sitting on top of her, holding her arms down with tears in her eyes. A hoof connected across her face, snapping her back to reality.

She looked up and saw an orange hoof quickly advancing towards her face. She felt a devastating blow as the hoof connected, causing blood to fly from her mouth and her vision to swim. She looked back and saw another orange mass quickly approaching her. She felt another blow from the otherside, more blood spurting from her mouth. She felt a dribble leave her nose and lost consciousness.

She uncurled from her protective ball. She looked at her white cell, tears blurring her vision. She was a monster, just like everypony said. They had always been there, the accusations, but she always tried to shrug it off. From the day she had disposed of Diamond, ponies had always been accusing her, calling her a monster. They never did it to her face, but she heard the whispers, saw the looks ponies gave her. As time went on, others were more open with their accusations. Some going so far as to beat her publicly, calling it "justice". She had ensured that they would never harm anypony again, but the scars stayed. She lay there in silence, looking back at her life. In the corner of the room she saw a faint image of a dark brown earth pony looking at her with a smile on his face. He wore a coat that covered most of his body, and a black cowboy hat that hid a good part of his face. She closed her eyes and drifted off to a light slumber.

"Get up."

A rough voice woke her. She groggily rose and looked at the cell door. In the little window she could see a royal guardsmen staring at her coldly. "It's time." He said, his voice never losing its rough edge. She looked at him for a moment before allowing herself to be taken.

When she exited the cell, she noticed an entire platoon of guards waiting for her. She positioned herself in the center of the group and followed their lead. They led her through the maze-like structure before she was finally taken outside. They were on a rampart. The hanging rock… she thought, looks like they want to show off their capture.

The hanging rock was the nickname given to the rampart they were on due to the location of it. It was located next to a cliff overlooking the ocean where the actual noose was held. The rampart was connected to it via a narrow bridge that only permitted ponies to cross single file.

She noticed something that made her blood freeze. Waiting on the rock was Applejack and Big Mac, tears streaming from both their eyes. Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks, overcome by shame and not wanting to face her older siblings. "Move it!" shouted a guard, prodding her flank with the tip of his spear. Apple Bloom bit her lip as the spear tip punctured her flank, causing her to instinctively move away from it towards the noose.

As she slowly got closer, she noticed just how much stress had affected her kin. Applejack's once strong features had begun withering away, her mane and tail a mess with gray hairs on each. She had bags under her eyes and looked exhausted. Big Mac fared little better. His deep red coat had dulled, his once ginger mane gray. His strength had ebbed away and so had his size, he too appeared exhausted. Apple Bloom looked away in shame.

"Hiya Apple Bloom." Said Applejack, her voice hoarse but gentle. "How've ya been?" Apple Bloom couldn't make a response, her words getting caught in her throat and refusing to leave.

"It's ok Apple Bloom," said Big Mac, "ya don't need to speak." She couldn't take it anymore, she rushed over to the two ponies and tackled them into a big hug. She nuzzled each of them, blubbering apologies and promises through tears. Neither earth pony said anything as they embraced her, choosing to enjoy the moment. One guard sniffled, and was immediately sent back inside by who she assumed was the guardsmen in charge. "If you can't handle this then just leave the prison now! I don't need spineless fillies containing the most dangerous ponies in Equestria."

The warden approached the trio, he removed his helmet, revealing his face. He was brown, his eyes red and his mane split into red and yellow. He kneeled down beside the three embracing ponies, his voice suddenly warm and fatherly. "I understand that you're having a bonding moment," he began, "but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to say your final goodbyes…"

"Please, just give us a little more time…" Begged Applejack.

"I'm sorry, but this is the way it has to be." Said the warden.

"Nopony ever said that." Interrupted Big Mac, standing between the warden and his sisters. Although he was slightly withered away, Big Mac still had all the heart he had back when Apple Bloom was a filly. The warden simply looked at him, calculating his next move.

The next moments happened in slow motion. Big Mac charged the warden, who sidestepped the large stallion. Big Mac quickly turned around, receiving a hoof to the face that sent him sprawling away. The warden walked over to Big Mac, ready to finish is when Apple Bloom cried out.

"NO!"

The warden stopped in his tracks, then looked at the crying mare. "I'll go peacefully… just don't hurt them." The warden looked at her, confused. He slowly smiled and nodded.

"It looks like we share similar values… I'll give you a few more minutes." He calmly walked away an ordered his squad back in before standing guard in front of the entrance. "For the record, if you try to escape…" He motioned upward. Apple Bloom looked and saw multiple guard unicorns on the walls, their horns aimed directly at her. She gulped then nodded and turned back to Applejack.

They had been talking for a few minutes, catching up and explaining how much the world had changed in the time Apple Bloom was incarcerated. Big Mac had grown silent, simply sitting there with a grin on his face as he watched his two sisters chat. Applejack had led most of the conversation, asking Apple Bloom about the way she was treated, talking about the farm, how the hired help was nothing compared to Big Mac and Apple Bloom's help. Apple Bloom simply sat there and enjoyed her family's company, only speaking when absolutely necessary. They heard the steady clopping of hooves and a familiar voice say "Time to say your final goodbyes." They knew the moment was coming, but it didn't make it any easier. A few more tears were shed, goodbyes exchanged, then Apple Bloom nodded to the warden.

She was led to the noose, a small platoon of guards guiding her there. She stood on a stool and felt a rope slip around her neck. She looked at Applejack and Big Mac. Neither could say a word as they watched their baby sister being prepared to be hung. Once the preparations were made, the warden offered them one last chance to say anything they wanted. Apple Bloom spoke first.

"Sis, brother, I've done some pretty horrible things throughout my life. I was never really scared that much, except for those times you came close to discovering my secret. The point is… I'm scared. Not of death, but of dying alone…" Applejack interrupted, rushing to her sister's side and taking her hoof in her own.

"Now don't you be scared Apple Bloom," she shakily began, "Big Mac and I are gonna be right here by your side, right Big Mac?" Big Mac walked over to her other side and took her other hoof.

"Eeyup…" he said, tearing up.

"Ya mean… Ya don't hate me?" Apple Bloom asked, her voice cracking.

"We would never hate you Apple Bloom, you're an Apple; and we Apples gotta stick together!" Applejack replied.

"E-eeyup." added Big Mac, on the verge of crying. Apple Bloom's eyes watered as she felt the love and support of her family by her side.

"Well then… If there are no other words to be said…" Said the warden, pulling the lever that opened the raised platform she stood on.

"I LOVE YA-" Apple Bloom's last words were caught as she felt the rope immediately crush her windpipe.

Applejack looked away as she felt her sisters grip tighten. She could hear her muted screams of pain as she wiggled around, as if trying to slip out of the rope. She felt tears come to her eyes as she thought she heard her name cried out by her sister's dying voice. She felt empty as the body went limp and her sister's grip loosened till her hoof slipped out of Applejack's.

Author's Note:

Mr. Flare: Lets just say that this was some how inspired by the song, Tip Toe through the Tulips by: Tiny Tim... Don't ask me how, it just came to me like a tone of bricks smashing my brains out all over my face.

Facade: (Is a bit shy at the moment)

Trit Trot

Concept by: Cromegas_Flare

Written by: Facade

Edited by: Facade and Cromegas_Flare