Life in Allspark Wells
Part 27; Apple Bloom vs the PYA
Walking into Iacon High, Apple Bloom straightened her leather jacket as she muttered to herself, "Man. Ah can't believe how cold it's gettin'." Looking down to her bare legs, the former farm girl continued, "Ah should probably look for some tights or somethin'. Ah remember that weird video about highlanders in the First Great War wearin' stockin's to help keep their legs warm."
As she entered through the school's front doors, Apple Bloom just hoped that today would be relatively quiet and peaceful. The previous day had seen the former farm girl confronted by a new club known as the Patriotic Youth Association. Recoiling in disgust, Apple Bloom muttered, "Ugh. Ah can't believe those assholes just up and outed Pastel like that." The thought of seeing all those boys surrounding her friend and calling her a "crossdresser" and a "dude" made the burgundy haired girl's blood boil.
"Then again, if Dr. Pennywhistle's and Uncle Ironhide's response to everythin' is anythin', Ah doubt Oak Leaf and his cronies aren't gonna be makin' such a big fuss today." The former farm girl said to herself. "Yeah, Ah'm sure they'll be keepin' themselves to the shadows from now on." Feeling a bit of relief, Apple Bloom straightened her jacket, messenger bag, and dance bag as she began to make her way to her first class of the day.
She was immediately distracted when she heard Oak Leaf's voice call out, "That's the problem with all these so-called trannies! They're all just crazy." Rolling her eyes and groaning in frustration, Apple Bloom thought to herself, 'Of course. Let me guess, they're talkin' about people like Pastel?' The former farm girl turned to the source of the sound and began to follow it.
After a few moments, Apple Bloom was greeted by none other than Oak Leaf, Freeze Peach, and the rest of the Patriotic Youth Association, as they addressed a group of students as the olive boy preached, "All those transgender freaks claim that that's just who they are, but they're lying to you and themselves. They're all mentally unwell!" Freeze Peach joined in, ranting, "Yeah! They think they're all born in the wrong body or some sort of crap like that. But it's all a load of bull. You're either a boy or a girl. It's that simple, just trust the science!"
Hearing Oak Leaf and Freeze Peach's speech made Apple Bloom's stomach churn with disgust. 'Ugh, two clowns, one joke. Get some new damn material.' She thought to herself. As the former farm girl looked around, she was relieved to see that Pastel was nowhere in sight. 'At least Pastel doesn't have to listen to these assholes push her buttons.'
This line of thought led Apple Bloom to ask herself, "Wait. Where is Pastel anyway? If these twits are gonna be spoutin' this garbage, Ah gotta make sure she'll be alright." Tiptoeing away to make sure she didn't draw attention to herself, the burgundy haired girl heard Oak Leaf continue, "Keep vigilant friends! If you see any of those freaks trying to indoctrinate someone, give 'em a good kick up the astroburner!
All Apple Bloom could do was groan, "Ugh. Assholes."
Biology Class
Walking into Mr. Shockwave's classroom, Apple Bloom sighed as she said to herself, "Ah can't believe Ah couldn't find Pastel. She wasn't in the library, the cafeteria, or anywhere." After putting her dance bag in her locker, the former farm girl tried searching all over the school for her friend, only to come up empty handed. Eventually, she knew she'd have to eventually get to class, so Apple Bloom decided to wait for art class to make sure the cerulean goth was alright.
As she sat down at her desk, the former farm girl stretched her legs as she thought to herself, 'Just get through school, and then it's tap class.' Apple Bloom began to imagine the sight of her and Tender Taps dancing together as she thought, 'Why can't Ah have tap class every day instead of just once a week?' Pausing to think, she continued, 'Guess havin' one class a week makes it all the more special.'
Apple Bloom was distracted from her daydream of the future by the sound of Oak Leaf's voice calling out, "Greetings my comrades!" Groaning as she turned around, the former farm girl found herself greeted by the olive boy confidently strutting into the classroom, his red armband firmly wrapped around his left arm. Shaking her head, Apple Bloom could only think to herself, 'Blabbin' in the hallway wasn't enough for him, now he's gotta do this here as well?'
Straightening himself, Oak Leaf began, "My friends, the Patriotic Youth Association will be holding mini presentations tomorrow before each class! Everyone is invited to attend and learn the dangers of so-called transgenderism and the freaks who believe in the lie that is nonbinary people!" The olive boy snapped his fingers as he continued, "It's time people stood up to this madness, and sent those freaks away to the looney bin where they belong!"
Feeling her frustration and anger boil over, Apple Bloom stood up and exclaimed, "Oh shove it up your ass already!" As the other students gasped in shocked silence, the former farm girl folded her arms as she continued, "Ah don't know what your problem is, but your ramblin' about people like Pastel is gettin' pretty annoyin'!" Hesitating for a moment, she finished with a blunt, "So just keep your bullshit to yourself!"
Glaring at the former farm girl, Oak Leaf began to strut up to Apple Bloom as he warned, "Better watch yourself there Anon-A-Miss. We don't take kindly to girls who stick their noses in places they don't belong." He then pressed his finger against Apple Bloom's forehead and began to push, trying to brush her away.
Standing her ground, the burgundy haired girl gritted her teeth and squinted her eyes as she warned, "Then take it from Anon-A-Miss herself. You try anythin', and Ah'll know about it." The moment she said this, Apple Bloom thought to herself, 'Oh no. Ah think Ah just declared war on the PYA.' Sure enough, Oak Leaf snarled, "Is that a threat?"
Before either teen could say anything else, they were distracted when Shockwave entered the classroom, the cycloptic teacher stating, "Alright everyone, I hope you've all had a good night's rest, because we have a lot to do today, and relatively little time to do it." He then gestured to Apple Bloom and Oak Leaf with his mechanical hand as he warned, "You two, I don't want any trouble, understand?"
As Oak Leaf begrudgingly nodded and returned to his desk, Apple Bloom sighed as she replied, "Ah understand sir." Satisfied, Shockwave pointed to the chalkboard at the front of the classroom as he began, "Now then, we shall continue where we left off yesterday with the reproduction methods of plants…."
Art Class
Entering the art classroom, Apple Bloom began to scan her surroundings for any trace of Pastel. Darting her eyes around, the former farm girl thought, 'She's not in her seat, she's not gettin' her paintin', she's…. just not here.' Sighing to herself, Apple Bloom could only whisper, "Ah just hope she's alright."
After several minutes, the rest of the class made their way into the classroom, the burgundy haired girl could only sigh as she lamented, "Looks like she's not commin' after all." This statement was confirmed when her teacher, Cel Shade, began to take roll, noting Pastel's absence and simply stating that she was absent.
All Apple Bloom could do was whisper, "Ah got a bad feelin' about this."
The Hallways, Later that Day
Walking up to her locker, Apple Bloom shook her head as she lamented, "Ah can't believe Pastel wasn't in class today. It's like she's just disappeared off the face of the earth." Indeed, the former farm girl's friend didn't show up at all, leaving her concerned for the cerulean goth's safety. Pausing for a moment, Apple Bloom thought to herself, 'Maybe she's just out sick? It is around the time of year that cold and flu season starts.'
As she opened her locker, the former farm girl was greeted by the sight of her dance bag waiting for her. Letting out a sigh of relief, Apple Bloom remarked to herself, "At least Ah've got this to look forward to." Pulling the bag out of her locker, she thought, 'Who knows, maybe she'll be in class anyway.'
Closing her locker, Apple Bloom took a deep breath as she said to herself, "Alright. Now Ah just gotta meet up with Sideswipe and Tender Taps." She just hoped she could make it out of the school without running into Oak Leaf or any of his cronies.
Hoofer Steps's Dance Studio
Stepping out of her sister's side car, Apple Bloom remarked, "Ah still can't believe you flipped that guy off. Ah thought he was gonna ram us for sure." Taking off her helmet, Sideswipe gave her sister a cheeky grin as she replied, "Come on, I got us here in one piece, right?" She then cracked her knuckles as she replied, "And it's not like he could have tried anything without denting his own car." All Apple Bloom could do was roll her eyes and reply, "Well, Ah'm half tempted to tell Uncle Ironhide about that."
Rolling her eyes, Sideswipe could only reply, "How about I buy you dinner after class and you keep quiet about this?" Apple Bloom paused for a moment as she thought, 'Let's see. On one hand, Ah should tell Uncle Ironhide about her little stunt. On the other hand, free food.' After a few moments of contemplation, the former farm girl replied, "Alright. But you're coverin' everythin'." Sideswipe could only let out a sigh of relief as she said, "Alright. Now come on, we don't wanna keep your boyfriend waiting.
Walking into the studio lobby, Apple Bloom let out a deep breath as she said to herself, "It's always a relief to walk into this place. Kinda like a second home away from home." Indeed, while she was only at the studio once every week, it just gave a sense of warmth and acceptance that was only rivaled by the chop shop and, to a lesser degree, Sweet Apple Acres.
As the two girls walked further into the studio lobby, a familiar Slavic man's voice greeted them with a gentle, "Dobryy den', devochki. I trust you two have had a good day?" Turning to face the familiar form of Ravage, Apple Bloom replied, "Could be better sir. This new club at school has been pickin' on and bullyin' people to no end."
Shaking his head, Ravage lamented, "Seems you are not the only one put off by those malen'kiye suchki. I've heard things from some of the other students, and it seems that this is not an isolated incident." Apple Bloom found herself intrigued this statement, leading her to remark, "Guess that means other people here have had those twits get on their nerves right?" The former soldier let out a gentle chuckle as he replied, "Yes, but I think for now, you have more pressing matters to attend to, da?"
Apple Bloom immediately lit up as she answered, "Oh yeah! Ah better get ready for class! See ya Ravage!" The older man bade her a gentle farewell as he said, "Dasvidaniya Yablochko!" Giving a small bow to Ravage, the former farm girl departed as she made her way to the dressing rooms.
The Studio, Several Minutes Later
Sitting on the floor as she tied the laces to her tap shoes, Apple Bloom chatted with Tender Taps and Double Shuffle, saying, "An'… Ah mean, for all Ah know she could be sick, but havin' this happen after what those jerks did to her yesterday, Ah can't help but worry about her." Taking this information in, the orange hoofer shook his head as he lamented, "I still can't believe the school lets them just do this out in the open!"
Having changed into her dance attire, Apple Bloom was pleasantly relieved to find her boyfriend and younger sister had arrived, and now the three of them were catching up with each other on how their day had been. While Double Shuffle's day was relatively normal, both older teens were discussing their interactions with the Patriotic Youth Association.
Shaking his head, Tender Taps lamented, "They're getting worse. I found out several of them started harassing half my theater class." He then sighed before continuing, "My friend Power Ballad got roughed up so bad that they had to go to the nurse's office." Apple Bloom replied with a concerned, "What? Why'd they do that to 'em?" Tender Taps could only answer with a glum, "Because Power Ballad is nonbinary, and I guess Oak Leaf and his stooges don't like people who are different."
As she tied the laces on her tap shoe, Double Shuffle asked, "So, what are you guys gonna do about these Patriot jerks anyway?" For several moments, Apple Bloom hesitated as she thought, 'Well, several teachers have told them off, but the PYA kept doing their thing. Obviously Ah can't just sock 'em in the face, and Ah don't think Ah can just convince 'em…..' Shaking her head, the former farm girl could only reply, "Ah dunno. All Ah know is we gotta do somethin'."
At that moment, the three dancers were distracted by the sound of Hoofer Steps's voice calling out, "Alvight now Kinder! Velcome to class!" Turning to face her teacher, Apple Bloom found the older woman walking into the dance studio, wearing a gray tee shirt over a black leotard, faded pink tights, black and gray tap shoes, and had her hair in a ballerina's bun. While she had distracted the former farm girl from her conversation, Apple Bloom couldn't help but feel relaxed at seeing her teacher.
Clapping her hands, Hoofer Steps called out, "Line up please everyvone!" As Apple Bloom, Tender Taps, and the rest of the class organized themselves into two lines, the gray teacher continued, "Now zen, Voll call." As she reached for a clipboard on a nearby desk, Hoofer Steps called out, "Apple Bloom?"
Raising her hand, the former farm girl replied, "Ah'm here." Hoofer Steps took a pencil and checked her clipboard before continuing, "Double Shuffle?" The younger hoofer raised her hand as she answered, "Here!" Hoofer Steps continued as she asked, "Tender Taps?" The orange boy confirmed his presence, leading the teacher to ask, "Sidesvipe?"
One after another, the other students confirmed their presence, until Hoofer Steps called out, "Pastel Goth?" When no one answered, the teacher repeated herself, "Pastel Goth?" Apple Bloom took a deep breath before nervously replying, "Uh…. She wasn't at school today. She might be sick." Hoofer Steps then made a final mark on her roster before finishing with a simple, "Very vell zen."
Setting her clipboard on the desk, Hoofer Steps began, "Now zen. It is time for our varmup exercises." Placing herself in front of both lines, the teacher continued, "Ve shall start vith our shuffle exercise…."
Twenty Minutes Later
Watching Tender Taps and Pizzelle tap their way across the studio's wooden floor, Apple Bloom thought to herself, 'Remember, it's a five count riff followed by a seven count riff, then another five count, endin' with two pullbacks.' As the two other dancers made it to the opposite end of the studio, the former farm girl turned to Double Shuffle and asked, "You ready for this?" The blue dancer gave an enthusiastic nod as she confidently replied, "I was born ready."
Hoofer Steps turned her attention to Apple Bloom and Double Shuffle as she said, "Alvight you two. It's your turn." Having received the go ahead, the former farm girl began to perform the combination.
As she clicked, clacked, and tapped her way across the floor, Apple Bloom allowed herself to momentarily forget everything that had happened earlier that day. No worries about Oak Leaf and his cronies, no stressing out over upcoming tests, nothing that could cause her hair to fall out. Just her, her tap shoes, and the wooden floor.
Once she made it to the other side, Apple Bloom heard Hoofer Steps call out, "Very good Double Shuffle! Nice vork Apple Bloom, zough I vant more clarity from your scuffing." The former farm girl nodded as she replied, "Ah under stand ma'am. More clarity."
Feeling someone tap her on her bare shoulder, Apple Bloom turned to find Tender Taps and Double Shuffle, the former reassuring her, "You did a great job." The former farm girl couldn't help but smile as she replied, "Thanks. You too." Shrugging, Double Shuffle confidently replied, "I try"
At that moment, Apple Bloom heard a familiar voice ring out from the other end of the studio. "Hey! Sorry I'm late!" Turning to the source of the voice, the former farm girl found Pastel Goth nervously entering the studio, the pale goth clad in a black tank top, loose black pants, and a pair of black oxford tap shoes in her hands. Her black eye from the day before had faded, but Apple Bloom could still make it out from under her friend's hair. As her friend frantically made her way to the wall so she could put her shoes on, the burgundy haired girl couldn't help but think to herself, 'At least she's feelin' good enough to make it to class.'
Folding her arms, Hoofer Steps inquired, "Pastel, vould you mind explaining vhy you are so late?" The cerulean goth could only awkwardly reply, "I'm sorry. I was…. Uh…. Blaster got caught up in traffic." Once she had slipped her tap shoes on, Pastel stood up and finished, "Won't happen again ma'am." Letting out a gentle sigh, Hoofer Steps replied, "Very vell zen."
Walking up to her friend, Apple Bloom asked, "There you are! Ah was worried about you! Where were you today?" Pastel could only look over her shoulder as she replied, "I was…. I had to leave early." She then quickly added, "I don't want to talk about it. At least right now."
'Oh no.' Apple Bloom thought to herself. 'Must have been worse than Ah thought.' Resting her hand on her friend's shoulder, the former farm girl reassured Pastel, "Don't worry. Right now, let's just make a little noise and unwind." The cerulean goth gave a small but gentle smile as she replied, "I think it'll be nice to stretch my legs a bit."
Hoofer Steps then called out, "Alvight now everyvone, ve shall move on to ze next exercise. Please line up at zis side please." Apple Bloom then took Pastel's hand as she said, "Come on." The former farm girl just hoped that the rest of class could help distract her friend.
Forty Minutes Later
"Alvight now! A five! A six! A five six seven eight!" Hoofer Steps called out, signaling for her class to begin the combination she'd just taught them. As the music played from the speakers, the class tapped against the studio's wooden floor with precision that made the older woman proud to be their teacher.
For Apple Bloom, hearing and feeling her feet strike the floor helped her forget the stresses from earlier in the day. The fact that Pastel was to her side, dancing her heart out with a smile on her face, just made it all the better. It didn't matter that her legs were starting to get sore, it didn't matter that beads of sweat were dripping from her forehead, and it didn't matter that she was starting to feel out of breath. All that mattered to Apple Bloom was that right now, she was dancing her heart out with her friends.
Once everyone finished the combination, Hoofer Steps clapped her hands as she said, "Wunderbar! Fantastic job everyvone." She then performed a simple curtsy as she held her arms out while she continued, "Zat vill be all for today everyvone. I hope you all have a good veek, und ve shall meet again next veek."
As everyone made their way to their dance bags, Apple Bloom asked, "So Pastel, what happened?" Hearing this, Tender Taps asked, "Yeah. I overheard you girls earlier, and I didn't wanna say anything because I didn't want to pry." Sighing, the cerulean goth answered, "Ok, but Somewhere a little more private." She then scooped up her dance bag as she continued, "Follow me."
Once the three teens had collected their belongings, Pastel led them out of the studio as she asked, "So, there anywhere private here?" Tender Taps raised his hand as he answered, "There's a back room we can use. Just let me get permission from Ravage." A few moments later, and Tender Taps returned, confirming that they could use the empty room.
Once they were alone Pastel sighed as she explained, "Ok, so, you know how those Patriot Youth assholes have been…." Pausing as she struggled to keep her composure, the cerulean goth continued, "Pulling a lot of bullshit because I'm trans?" Nodding, Apple Bloom added, "Yeah. They try somethin' again?"
Feeling her lip begin to quiver, Pastel answered, "Well… Oak Leaf and some of his…." Instinctively looking over her shoulder, she continued, "They surrounded me and he started going on about…." Finally allowing some tears to escape from her eyes, Pastel finished with, "Oak Leaf started talking about how he'd try to "make sure I was a dude." I didn't stick around to see if he was just making an off color joke."
Taking this information in, Apple Bloom declared, "That's horrible! Ah can't believe he'd even think of jokin' about somethin' like that!" Tender Taps then added, "For the love of… Did you tell the teachers about that? Sounds a hell of a lot like sexual harassment!"
Sighing, Pastel answered, "I didn't. I just…. I just knew I couldn't go back while they were there and…. I called Blaster and went home." She then leaned against the wall as she lamented, "I know, I know, it's cowardly, but I…." As the tears began to bleed from her eyes, Pastel collapsed to her knees as she finished, "I'm scared I won't be able to be myself at school! I'm scared I'll either be forced back into the closet or I'll get my ass handed to me by those twats!"
Seeing her friend crumble under the stress of everything she'd been going through hit Apple Bloom right in her heart. Feeling her own eyes start to water, the former farm girl could only say, "Oh Pastel…" Sitting down next to her, Apple Bloom pulled Pastel into a gentle hug as she tried to reassure, "Ah'm so sorry. Ah'm sure everythin'll be alright."
Shaking her head, Pastel tearfully lamented, "But it won't! I've been outed, I've been bullied, and now I…." Curling up into a ball, the cerulean goth could only say, "I'm just scared. I don't know what to do." All Apple Bloom could do was rest her hand around her friend's shoulder as Tender Taps did the same.
As the two teens comforted their friend, someone knocked on the door as Sideswipe's voice called out, "Hey Apple Bloom? We should probably be getting ready to leave soon. And Tender? Hoofer Steps says you need to get ready for the next class." Hearing this, the former farm girl thought to herself, 'Oh great. On today of all days.' She was about to say something in response to her sister, but Pastel's crying distracted her, resulting in Apple Bloom momentarily ignoring Sideswipe.
Standing up, Tender Taps opened the door, greeting Sideswipe as he explained, "Hey, right now we really need a moment alone." He then took a deep breath as he continued, "Tell Miss Hoofer Steps that we're having a code Styx." The pale biker gave a confused look before she replied, "Uh, ok."
Once Sideswipe was gone, Tender Taps turned to Apple Bloom and Pastel as he explained, "A code Styx means that someone is having an episode of something and needs a little alone time." He then nervously scratched the back of his neck as he added, "Normally it's supposed to be for kids on the spectrum having a meltdown, but sometimes it helps for other situations like this." Pastel sniffled as she replied, "Thanks."
Taking her friend's hand, Apple Bloom asked, "Anythin' else you wanna talk about?" Shaking her head, Pastel replied, "I'm fine, or at least as fine as I can be. Right now, I just… I don't want to be alone." Pulling her friend into a tight hug, the former farm girl reassured her, "It's ok. We're here for you."
Taking this information in, Pastel Goth hugged her friend back, thankful that she had a friend like Apple Bloom.
The Chop Shop, That Night
Walking back and forth in the chop shop's living room, Apple Bloom vented, "And then she just broke down! Ah've never seen her so scared before!" Across the room from the former farm girl, Ironhide, Ratchet, Wheeljack, and Wreck-Gar sat on the couch as the burgundy haired girl ranted off the previous day's events. Eventually stopping herself, she finished with, "Uncle Ironhide, Ah just don't know what to do."
Pausing for a moment as he contemplated what he just heard, Ironhide shook his head as he replied, "Well, that's just Prime. I can't believe someone can be that twisted, especially a kid." Ratchet nodded as he added, "Indeed. Whatever happened to picking on people for their looks or weight like when we were kids?" As Apple Bloom and the other adults gave him concerned looks, the old medic asked, "What? I'm just asking a question."
At that moment, Wreck-Gar asked, "Excuse me Miss Apple Bloom, but might I inquire if I can see this so-called Patriot Youth Association in person?" Caught off guard by the Promethean's question, Apple Bloom replied with a confused, "What?" Nodding, Wreck-Gar continued, "Forgive my profanity, but those inbred cretin bastards almost assaulted my friend, and I would very much like to get a good look at what sort of miserable, pathetic, bear fucking Huns would hurt Pastel!" The robot then stood up as he finished with a blunt, "And this is, regrettably, not up for discussion."
'Well, Ah gotta give him credit for loyalty and determination.' Apple Bloom thought to herself. 'Guess he and Pastel really hit it off after that misgenderin' incident.' Turning to her uncle and Wheeljack, the burgundy haired girl asked, "Well, if it's not too much with you guys, this alright with you?" Deep down, she figured there would be no way Ironhide, Wheeljack, or Ratchet would shoot the idea down.
To everyone's surprise, Wheeljack replied, "Oh, what the hell? I'm down for this." He then stood up as he continued, "Well, if Apple Bloom were to accidentally bring Wheelie to school, she'd need to call a K-One-Zero, which means I can come to pick him up, and Wheeljack can have his little look around!" The maverick mechanic turned to his friend and boss as he asked, "It's a brilliant plan, right?" Taking in what he'd just heard, Ironhide held his hands together and let out a contemplative, "Hm." After a few moments, the family gave his answer.
"Under normal circumstances, I would say this stunt you three have in mind is reckless and possibly dangerous. However, given what's going on, you have my blessing." He then turned to Apple Bloom as he gently warned, "Just don't try anything too stupid, ok?"
Apple Bloom lit up with delight as she hugged her uncle, squealing, "Thank you Uncle Ironhide!" As the family patriarch hugged his daughter, Wheeljack said, "Now then, I'll go inform Wheelie." While everyone else began to set their "plan" into motion, Ratchet could only sigh as he remarked, "I have a very bad feeling about this."
Iacon High School, the Next Day
Walking into the school's foyer, Apple Bloom took a deep breath as she said to herself, "Alright, no turnin' back now." Straightening her messenger bag, she could hear Wheelie's voice squeaking out, "Ugh, this thing is far more cramped than last time! What are you carrying in here? The Encyclopedia Cybertronica?" The former farm girl couldn't help but let out a gentle laugh as she replied, "Just mah normal stuff."
The two siblings were distracted by the sound of a boy declaring, "I can't do this anymore!" Hearing that, Apple Bloom ordered, "Stay quiet! Ah'll see what that is." She then quietly began to walk over to the source of the voice, curious as to what was going on.
To her surprise, Apple Bloom found Oak Leaf, Freeze Peach, and the rest of the Patriot Youth Association gathered under a large banner displaying their odd, crown like symbol. However, one of them, a boy with gray skin, yellow hair, piercing blue eyes, and dressed in a red plaid shirt and blue pants, was standing opposite of them, pointing right at Oak Leaf's chest as he argued with the club's leader. Curious, Apple Bloom decided she needed to get a closer look.
Once she was close enough, the former farm girl overheard the gray boy as he complained, "You're going to far! It might have been one thing to deal with that trans dude, but this? You wanna start picking on special needs kids!" Scoffing, Oak Leaf retorted, "Oh please, you should know that the only people of value are those who can contribute to society." Freeze Peach then joined in with, "Yeah, No room for useless eaters!"
Hearing all this, Apple Bloom could feel her blood boil as she thought, 'So now they wanna pull what they've been doin' to Pastel on special needs kids? Ah hope Marble isn't around to hear this.' She was distracted from her train of thought when she heard the gray boy's voice declare, "You know my brother has autism! I can't do this anymore! I'm done!" As he stomped away, Oak Leaf mockingly replied, "Fine! Who needs a weak willed quitter like you?!"
As the boy passed Apple Bloom, she asked, "Ah, uh… What's goin' on?" Not even looking towards her, the gray boy ripped off his armband and shoved it into the former farm girl's hands as he bluntly replied, "Just realizing I've made a big mistake!" Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment, but she figured that, now that she had a physical piece of the PYA, she could now put her "plan" into motion.
Taking a deep breath, the former farm girl opened her messenger bag, placed the broken arm band inside, paused for a few moments as Wheelie looked up at her, and nonchalantly said, "Oh dear. Wheelie has snuck into mah bag again. Ah must report him immediately." She then began to make her way to the office, hoping Oak Leaf and his cronies hadn't noticed her.
A Few Minutes Later
Sitting on a chair in the front office, Apple Bloom waited for Wheeljack and Wreck-Gar to come pick up Wheelie. The small robot sat in a chair next to her, swinging his feet back and forth as he asked, "So, how long will it be before they get here?"
The two siblings received their answer when both Wheeljack and Wreck-Gar entered the office, the former letting out an unconvincing, "Oh, there you are." We were looking everywhere for you." The cycloptic robot, on the other hand began to wander off, trying to find any trace of the PYA and Oak Leaf. As Wheeljack scooped up Wheelie, the maverick mechanic let out a very flat and unconvincing, "Now where has that that boy gone off too?"
Looking around, Apple Bloom found Wreck-Gar just outside the office, staring something above them. Gesturing to the cycloptic robot, the burgundy haired girl said, "Over there, come on."
Making their way up to Wreck-Gar, Apple Bloom and Wheeljack found him staring at the Patriot Youth Association's banner. As the robot stared at it, Apple Bloom asked, "Well, what do you think? Find what you were lookin' for?" At that moment, Wreck-Gar said something that caught her off guard.
"I didn't know they were a fascist club."
Hearing this, Apple Bloom asked, "Fascist? What's that?" Wheeljack, however, simply let out an amused chuckle as he replied, "Ha! That's a good one buddy! Those little buggers certainly act like it." However, Wreck-Gar turned to his creator and, in a surprisingly serious voice, elaborated, "I'm not joking sir. That's a fascist symbol. I can't remember where exactly I've seen it before, but I know it's been used by Jerry."
'Jerry?' Apple Bloom thought to herself. 'Ah know that word! It's what those Highlanders Armorhide fought with called their enemies!' Suddenly, things began to click in the former farm girl's mind. 'Wait. Could this "fascist" thing be those "Jerries?"'
Apple Bloom was distracted by the sound of Oak Leaf's voice calling out, "Whoa! What's that thing?" Turning around, she found the olive boy and his cronies approaching Wreck-Gar, awe in his eyes. Rolling her eyes, the burgundy haired girl muttered to herself, "What, they gonna try somethin' against him as well?'
Before Oak Leaf could say anything, Wreck-Gar noticed the arm band he was wearing and asked, "Excuse me sir, but are you involved with the so called "Patriot Youth Association?" Nodding, the olive boy replied, "I am, in fact, the founder of the Patriot You….." He was interrupted by the Promethean Cyclops, who continued, "Well, perhaps you could answer a question for me."
Pointing to the banner, Wreck-Gar asked, "Tell me, why does your club use a fascist symbol? I'm fairly certain no one would tolerate your little gang if they knew what it was." Hesitating for a moment, Oak Leaf let out a confused, "Uh… What? That's something I made myself. It's not a fascist symbol." Taking this in, Wreck-Gar lowered his upper eyelid into a frown as he asked, "So, if I find a symbol used by fascists that happens to look just like that, it would simply be a coincidence?"
Something about this statement seemed to irritate Oak Leaf. Gritting his teeth, the olive boy angrily replied, "Listen you… you tin can! That symbol is what I say it is! Doesn't matter if it looks like a fascist or a Waffen symbol or… Whatever! It's our symbol and that's all that's important!"
Hearing this, Wreck-Gar nodded as he cheerfully replied, "Thank you for your time. Have a good day." He then, to everyone's surprise, performed an about face and began to march towards the door, swinging his arms as he sang, "Oh oh oh it's a lovely war! What do we want with eggs and ham when we've got plum and apple jam!"
Once Wreck-Gar was gone, Wheeljack walked up to Apple Bloom and said, "You better get to class. I think we might have kept you long enough." Nodding, the former farm girl bade the older mechanic, "See ya later Wheeljack. See ya Wheelie." Wheelie waved goodbye as he said, "See you later Apple Bloom!" Giving a gentle curtsy, Apple Bloom departed for her biology class, hoping Shockwave wouldn't be too upset with her.
Joining his eldest creation, Wheeljack asked, "So Wreck-Gar, did you get a good look at those little punks?" Turning to face his creator, Wreck-Gar bluntly warned, "Sir, I think something is wrong with their leader." Curious, the maverick mechanic asked, "Of course he would be, given what I've heard from Apple Bloom." Shaking his head, Wreck-Gar warned, "No sir, I fear it's worse." Curious, Wheeljack asked, "What do you mean?"
Giving his creator a serious look, Wreck-Gar explained, "I told him his little emblem resembled a fascist symbol. I never said anything about the Waffen."
Realizing the weight of what he'd just been told, Wheeljack let out a concerned, "Well, that's not good." A curious Wheelie raised his hand as he asked, "Uh… What's a Waffen? That like a pancake or something?" Ignoring his brother's question, Wreck-Gar asked, "Would it be alright if I did some research when we returned home?"
Nodding, Wheeljack replied, "I think I might join you." As the two began to depart the school, Wheelie asked, "What's a Waffen?" Turning to his elder creation, the maverick mechanic said, "I think I'll leave this to you." Sighing, Wreck-Gar began, "Well, the Waffen were…"
And it was from this little history speech that Wheelie learned just how cruel human beings can be.