A Lost Diamond in the Rough

Chapters

Prologue for A Lost Diamond in the Rough
Chapter 1 - A New Friend
Chapter 3 - The Hunt for Gems Continue
Chapter 4 - The Flight to Ponyville
Chapter 5 - Last Encounter?
Chapter 2 - Quick Snack before Tears

Prologue for A Lost Diamond in the Rough

Meeeoowww.... Meeooowww....

MEEEEOOOWWW!!!

A small yet loud cat said as it called out to its owner. That owner was Rarity, who was getting her beauty sleep. The young mare slowly looked over to see her cat, Opalescence. Why must you- oh wait... ahem. Rarity thought before clearing her throat.

"Opal, darling, why must you wake up mommy?" She says with a tired irritated sigh.

Opal simply meows again, nudging her empty food dish towards Rarity.

"Oh, alright." Rarity agrees, slowly getting out of bed. "But, I must warn you- this will not help you get another treat from me today. You know how I need my beauty sleep." A slight shimmer goes about her horn before turning to a low glow. Her magic then going around the food dish as she levitated it into the air.

"I might as well have breakfast, too." She comments, going to the kitchen with the food dish levitating behind her. Opal following after as she gave a low impatient meow.

Rarity eventually found Opal's food, and fed her first. The cat purring as it began to eat. Rarity wasn't quite hungry herself, but a good breakfast was always a great start to a new day. She began to make eggs for herself, and let one of the eggs cook as she checked if Sweetie Belle was home. Strange, she wasn't. Perhaps she was at that clubhouse of hers? Oh well. She made herself two eggs then sat at the table. As she ate, she began to imagine her new clothing line that she finished designing the other night.

Oh! It will be the talk of Equestria! She thought excitedly, happily eating. After all, she worked quite hard on it. As always, she sketched the designs first and planned to start designing the clothing line today. She cleared her assignments so that she could have time for it. The new clothing line would be her new product, as it were. It would have been yesterday she began work for the clothing line if it wasn't for that sudden inspiration.

Last night, Rarity had just gotten out of the bath when the most wonderful idea came to her. No, dawned on her. It was the dress she had been hoping for, and she realized what colors would go perfect for it! Not only that, but what gems would go to accessorize it, as well! After all, she needed new clothing for herself. A fashionista wouldn't wear the same thing every now and then. It was almost fate that the idea came that night. Soon after her inspiration, she began to work late into the night on it. Sketching it, designing it, sewing it all together, etcetera~ She had it complete before morning, and went right to sleep once it was done. In fact, she was up so late that she slept well past into the late morning. No wonder Sweetie Belle wasn't home.

"Ah, and today I begin my work on my new clothing line~" She almost sang, finishing off her breakfast. She gave her plate a quick rinse before trotting off to her workshop. Opal staying behind as she finished her breakfast.

In the workshop, she quickly got out all her sketches for the clothing line. Oh how the theme suited each one perfectly. She laid out all seven designs, and picked which one she would begin first. "You, my dear, shall have a sapphire..." She thought aloud, moving the sketch over. She then went to her chest filled with gems where she..... wait, her chest filled with gems...... why...

It was empty!

Rarity stood in shock as her eyes looked at the bottom of the poor empty chest. How could this be?? She recalled last night that there were plenty of gems there. Why, she used some of them for her--- my dress! Could I have used the last of my gems for it?!

She quickly went to her dress, and even as it stood there as beautiful as could be.... sadly, yes. It held the last of her gems, and she was so tired last night that she did not realize it.

"How will I begin work now?" She questioned in almost complete misery.. Her eyes looked down, and she tried to think of before when she needed gems. Back then, there were so many gems from that silly little event. She let Spike have a bit to himself, he did deserve it after all. Yet, that was so long ago... it's no wonder that she was out now. She had created beautiful dresses and suits with them, plus more. Sigh.

"I'll simply have to go again, but... we cleared that entire area.. " She thought, recalling how those diamond dogs made her collect almost every gem from their underground cave. It was always easy to find gems there, yet now that she cleared that area before she'll have to go somewhere else to find more. Hm.. I'll just have to go to another cave. Perhaps Twilight knows where one is?.

Rarity gathered her things, and left to Twilight's home. Surely she knew where another cave lied outside of Ponyville. It'll be much faster asking her than going to look for it. Plus she could ask her and Spike to tag along.

She traveled to the library that was Twilight's home, and began to knock lightly on her door. "Twilight! It's me, Rarity."

The door opened only to reveal Spike instead. "Oh, hello Rarity.. Uhm.. Twilight isn't here right now. She's a... She's uhm... off running errands." He said with a strange hesitant tone.

"Oh, I don't have time to wait for her. Where is she so that I can meet up with her?" Rarity says next, more in an excited tone.

"Well.. she..." Spike thought, trying to look back into the library. Then, turned back to Rarity," She said that if you came by, to leave her a note!"

"A note...?" Rarity questioned, her head moving to see what Spike was looking at before Spike moved blocking her view. " Well then! How about I talk to you, instead. Spike, do you remember helping me gather gems before? I need to find more for this new clothing line I'm designing.. please, could you help?" She asked, not thinking much into what Spike was trying to hide.

Spike gave a low blush,"Oh, of course, Rarity! Let's go ahead, and I'll just tell Twilight later."

He closed the door behind him, and jumped off the step by the door to Rarity's side. His eyes slightly looking back to the library before rushing Rarity away. "Time isn't going any slower, so we can go ahead!"

Rarity stopped him as she gave him a curious look. To which, he gave an innocent one. She stared harder, but it seemed he still said nothing. But, she didn't have time for this foolishness. "Look, I'm not sure what you did, Spike. But, if you destroyed the library again- you're just going to have to clean it when we get back." She said, recalling how Spike did so before. She began to leave Twilight's home and headed back into town.

Spike quickly spoke up in his defense,"I didn't! I swear! That was the owl's fault, anyway." He grumbled, following behind Rarity.

Rarity simply went on, not paying any attention to what he said. She was more focused on how they were going to find the perfect cave now. Normally she just find gems naturally, but the ones she wanted best came from caves. Although she disliked going there without all her friends.

Speaking of friends: Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack could be seen up ahead. Perfect timing!

Rarity quickly trotted up to them to speak with them. "Oh, I'm so happy to run into you three. You see, I've run out of gems and I was hoping that all of you could come with me. Spike will help with the digging, of course, but you see I--"

"Oh! Rarity! You're.. uhh... here.." Rainbow Dash interrupted in surprise, as the other two were also shocked to see her.

Rarity just laughed," Of course I'm here, Rainbow Dash. I do live in Ponyville, after all. Anyway what I wanted to ask is if you all could-- "

"OH! Would you look at the time, I can't believe it. It's almost lunch time... oh, I must go home and feed all the little animals. If you'll excuse me..." Fluttershy interrupted, quickly leaving soon after.

"Oh, lunch? Why, I completely forgot!" Applejack pitched in right after she left. "Apple Bloom and her friends wanted me to pick up something for 'em. 'Scuse me." She said after, leaving the group just as well.

Rarity looked left and right as the two left. Her eyes looking up at Rainbow Dash who flew above. " Perhaps you could-"

"Oh! .. uh... Poor Tank must be hungry, too! Seeya, Rarity!" Rainbow Dash said as her wings took flight. She left with a wave, and rough take-off.

Rarity, meanwhile, stood next to Spike. It seemed they were too busy for her... lunch is important though, perhaps I'll pack a picnic. She recalls, thinking of how she was going to leave without it.

Spike looks over to Rarity, a bit worried for her. " Don't worry, Rarity, I'm sure Pinkie Pie could help."

Rarity shakes her head,"No.. she told me yesterday that today was booked with parties. Apparently three new ponies showed up to Ponyville and she wanted to welcome them. It seems like it's just you and me, Spike."

Spike just gave a grin," Well, it's like last time. Don't worry about it."

"I'm not," Rarity says with a smile,"we should be back before tonight if we hurry. But, those three did remind me we should pack a lunch. Let's stop by my shop first."

She lead the way this time, and the two of them leave to her shop. There she packed them both a lunch, and saw a map lying in her room as she went. She stopped what she was doing, and took a closer look at the map. The map was one she used before while gathering gems. On the map were markings she had put to mark where she already gathered gems. One spot was left untouched, however, and it was a cave far from Ponyville. She recalled borrowing the map from Twilight who said that the map had every cave near, and in Ponyville. Yet, this cave was far from what she imagined... Hm.. It would be perfect for her and Spike to gather gems. Who knew how many gems it held.

Looks like you helped me after all, Twilight. She thought with a smile as she took the map with her.

"Come now, Spike, we have a long way ahead of us~!" Rarity said, emerging from her shop.

Spike sat by their cart, looking a little surprised at what she said. "Long way? But, couldn't we just go to the same place as last time?" He said with a groan.

"No, Spike, we can't. Thanks to those diamond dogs, we gathered every gem possible from there. That's why we need to go somewhere new! Somewhere far, and it'll have precisely what we need!" She says, taking out her map. Rarity began to leave the shop and lead them out of Ponyville's borders. Her determination causing her to quicken her step as she went.

Spike just sighed as he stood up then began to push the cart behind her. Although he was having trouble catching up to her, he followed after. He gave Ponyville one last look before they left the borders, and just muttered under his breath. "If you say so..."

Chapter 1 - A New Friend

~A Lost Diamond in the Rough ~
Chapter 1- A New Friend

Rarity and Spike had been traveling for about an hour before stopping by the Everfree Forest. According to the map, the cave was just past the forest... Rarity and Spike stood at the entrance for almost ten minutes straight in complete silence.

They gulped.

"Surely, it'll be alright..." Rarity says with a slight shiver.

"Of course!" Spike added, laughing nervously. "It's not like there are monsters everywhere here... and who knows? Maybe it's their day off!" He says next, trying to joke around.

Rarity just gulped once more, slowly stepping into the forest. They had to cross it to get to the cave... they just had to. "Come on, we'll get to that cave and be back before night- remember?" She says, actually more to herself than Spike.

Spike followed behind, still pushing the cart so that they could carry the gems back to Ponyville. "Right! But, when are we going to have lunch? I'm starved!" He asks hoping they would have that picnic soon.

"It'll be better to have lunch there. Besides, I'm not that hungry." Rarity replied, though it was a complete lie as her stomach growled after. Spike just laughed as Rarity tried to hide it. "Maybe a little...." She admits, slightly blushing. She then groans,"...... oh! I would like to eat, but we're in the Everfree Forest now. If we stop to eat, who knows what'll pop out."

The young mare had a point, and the young dragon just sighed in reply. The two of them knew the danger the forest held, and that the food could attract it just as well. They would simply have to wait until they reached the cave.

Rarity and Spike traveled a little longer before stopping by a pond to rest. Rarity insisted her hoofs were just tired, but Spike wanted the break, too, for pushing the cart all this way. Spike sat by the cart as Rarity got out some water from her bag. She took a sip for herself before giving some to Spike.

"We'll have to share this one, I must have dropped the other one...." She said, a little embarrassed she didn't pack more. Normally she would pack more than enough, but she was in a rush. Spike shook his head though, and thanked her for the drink.

As the two rested by the pond, something deep within its waters began to awaken. Its eyes opened and peered at the two from below.... its figure began to grow bigger, the creature slowly swimming to the surface.

Spike gave back the drink, and looked over to the pond just slightly before suddenly gasping. "Rarity! Look out!"

A fierce chop came from the pond, and out came a very large crocodile. It snapped at Rarity, but thanks to Spike's warning she moved just in time!

"Oh! Why you..." Rarity gasps, checking her hair before glaring at the creature. The crocodile didn't stop its pursuit, though, as it made its way towards Rarity again. This time, its mouth wide open in order to take a quick bite.

Rarity quickly steps back to avoid another bite, and kicks her hoof into the crocodile's head. "Ha, take that!" She taunts as she hits him again. The crocodile just growls, stepping back. It stops trying to bite her and instead begins to run at her. It was more of a charge, but thanks to its large size there was no way to block it.

"Oh no you don't!" Spike adds in, quickly moving to assist Rarity. Without a second thought, he pushes the cart from before down a hill nearby. The cart sped down the hill, and its wheels simply increased its speed as it went faster. The push aimed it right for the crocodile and into the creature perfectly. The cart hit the crocodile straight on, and the two flew back. The crocodile into a nearby tree, and the cart into the pond.

Small stars swirled around the crocodile's head as it was clearly knocked out from the blow.

Spike only smiled,"Ha! Did ya see that Rarity?" He bragged, hopping over to her.

Rarity only stares into the pond... her cart sinking deep into its waters. "My cart..." She says with a deep sigh.

Spike looks to the pond, and back to her. His eyes sadden, though there wasn't much he could do about it now. "Oh Rarity, I didn't mean... it's just-t... I promise, I'll g-get Twilight and we'll be able to get it out." He stutters, trying to find a way to help somehow.

Rarity just shook her head, looking away from the pond. "No, it's fine! I needed a new cart anyhow." She says, not wanting to let this upset him. Though, she was quite upset herself.

Spike just pouted, knowing how Rarity was about this. "Alright.. I'll help you get a new one when we get back. I promise!" He adds, hoping maybe he could ask Applejack if she had a spare he could give Rarity.

Rarity gets her bag from a nearby tree where she had left it. Luckily, she didn't leave it in the cart. She took out the map, and checked to see if they were closer to the cave or Ponyville. Yet, her horn began to give off a low glow in reply. She could feel it! The gems within the cave.. they were close!

"It seems our trip isn't over just yet, Spike!" She says in an excited tone. She began to move her head to where her horn lit up the brightest where, most likely, the source lied. "This way!" With that, the two of them left the pond and continued on to the cave.

It was hard for Spike to keep up since they were resting before, so Rarity let him on her back. He only smiled as the two saw the cave up ahead. Rarity could just feel the gems, and could see some within the entrance of the cave already. "This is perfect, Rarity! I'll dig them up right away. I'll carry them myself, if I have to." Spike says excitedly.

Rarity stops at the entrance, and lets Spike jump off before moving her head just slightly. "There's some.. there!" She says, walking over and pointed with her hoof at the spot.

"On it!" Spike soon replied, going over as he began to dig. He used his tail to shovel first, then his claws for the rest of the way. The hole grew and soon revealed three different gems from within. He held them up for Rarity to see, and just smiled in excitement.

Rarity looked at the gems in Spike's hands, but didn't see a sapphire. Hmm.. "Wonderful, but we won't be able to carry much on the way back. We'll have to get what we need. Here, put them in my bag for now." She says, looking into the cave. Her horn gave off another glow as she levitated her bag towards Spike. In turn, Spike putting all three gems into the bag.

"How many should we get?" Spike asked her.

"I'm not sure, but we should get the kinds I need.. we'll have to return again with the others next time." Rarity replied, slowly stepping into the cave. She levitated her bag back onto her back before her horn glowed again to signal where more gems lied.

"Over here.." She said to Spike, moving deeper into the cave. Spike simply followed along, readying his tail.

Though... a soft sound stopped them both.

.... it was the sound of... crying?

The two looked at each other before looking around, and soon left to go to the source of the sound. A figure sat in the shadows of the cave as the sound began to grow. It was a young mare by its tone, and its crying was simply miserable.

The poor thing! thought Rarity as she moved closer to the figure. "Excuse me..? Miss...?" She called out, trying to get her attention.

The sound stopped as the figure rose its head to the two. It slowly retreating deeper into the shadows as if to back away.

"Hey, don't worry. We can help!" Spike says next, calling out to her as well.

The figure just sniffed as it stayed within the shadows, still scared of the two.

Rarity just smiled,"Oh pardon my manners... I'm Rarity, and this is Spike." She says pointing her hoof to herself first then Spike. "Pleased to meet you!" Spike adds upon being introduced.

The figure could be seen slowly stepping out of the shadows just a little. Its head looking to Rarity, then Spike.

"And what's your name...?" Rarity says next, reaching her hoof kindly toward the pony to help her up.

The figure is hesitant at first, then slowly reaches its hoof towards Rarity. As Rarity helps her up, the figure fully reveals herself to be a young bat pony. A slight gasp escapes Rarity and Spike, surprised to see that this was no ordinary mare.

"I'm Jaden..." She says, giving a small smile towards the two.

Chapter 3 - The Hunt for Gems Continue

~A Lost Diamond in the Rough ~
Chapter 3- The Hunt for Gems Continue

Spike eventually awoke from his nap, and Jaden repeated her story to him as well. She was more comfortable to tell it now thanks to venting about it before. She didn't cry this time, but her tone was still very sad. Spike gently patted her back, and tried to support her, too.

"It must have taken a lot to tell him..." He said, as his eyes couldn't help but go towards Rarity.

"It was... and I didn't think he'd just never speak to me again after. Not even look at me..." Jaden replied as she sulked.

Rarity finished cleaning up the picnic as she put everything away. She saw the gems in her bag, and slowly recalled that they were here to gather gems. I should take her with me to Ponyville, and introduce her. She thought, looking back to Jaden.

"Not to be rude in anyway, Jaden, but we didn't come here expecting to find you. In fact, we came here to gather gems. Why don't you join us? And, then, maybe after I could take you to my home in Ponyville?" Rarity asked her, giving her a smile.

Jaden blinked at the proposal, surprised she would offer that. "I.. uhm... suppose so.." She said, moving her hoof against the cave ground.

"Great! That's perfect. Ya know, I'm sure when we get back - Twilight could help you find you colony!" Spike offered next, standing up by his tail in excitement.

"No. I don't need help finding them.. I don't ever wanna see them again." Jaden quickly said in reply.

Spike lowered himself to where he stood by his feet instead, and gave a slight frown. He knew that she must miss them, no matter how upset she was. They must be worried about her..." Spike also thought, giving a worried look toward Rarity.

Rarity gave a small look back to Spike signaling that she thought the same. Colony or family, they both seemed to be the same in this case. They had to help reunite her with them. But, how?

Rarity got out the three gems that Spike dug up before,"We're looking for these kinds... and sapphires. Oh, and rubies. I only have my bag, so we can only carry so much. " She instructed, looking back to Jaden.

"They're beautiful..." Jaden thought, looking at them in wonder. She heard her mention bag though, and looked back up. "If you want, we could carry some in my bag.. would that be okay?"

"Why, yes, that would be fabulous." Rarity said back, quite happy to have more gems.

"And I'll carry some, too!" Spike pitched in, happy to help.

It took time to show Jaden Rarity's magic, and a little longer to explain how it worked. But, soon, Spike and Jaden worked their claws to dig out more gems. Rarity could almost not tell the difference between them as they both enjoyed seeing the gems. Spike looking at them with drool on his lip, even though he just ate, and Jaden looking at them with such wonder you'd think she would keep them. I'll have to save them both some gems after my clothing line is complete. Rarity though, giggling at the two.

Her horn gave off another low glow, and she could sense five more around the corner. "Hmm.." She moved her head until her the glow intensified then marked the spot.

"I got this one!" Spike claimed as soon as she was done.

He jumped over the spot, and soon started jumping against it with his tail as he jack hammered his way through. He stopped once he hit the gems, then dusted them off to not hurt them.

Just as Rarity thought, five gems laid within the whole. One a giant emerald, a large sapphire, two small rubies, and a diamond as big as one's hoof.

"Very well done~" Rarity said as she praised the two for their hard work. She helped gather the last five into Jaden's bag, and gave the bag back to Jaden.

"That should be enough, and I'll have a few leftover after I complete my work. I can finally start on it today and, perhaps, finish tomorrow evening~" Rarity adds, excited for the work.

Spike smiled at Rarity as he carried some gems in his arms. "Aw, that's great, Rarity" He said, smiling bigger.

Jaden put her bag over her back, and looked back to the two. Her mind a bit worried if she should travel with them back to Ponyville. She had been there once before when she was much younger, and wasn't sure how much it had changed now. Her eyes look down as she recalls that back then she was with her colony. She wouldn't admit it, but she missed them.

Rarity and Spike wasn't oblivious to this as they looked over towards her. Spike knowing that look from anywhere, as he recalled being homesick when he tried to leave Ponyville.

"Well, then! How would you like to come with us to Sugar Cube Corner before we go to my shop? It'll be my treat." Rarity says, offering Jaden.

"Haha, it'll be both your treats! Theirs, and Rarity's!" Spike tagged in as he joked.

Jaden smiled as she laughed at Spike. "Yes.. that would be nice.." She replied, nodding.

Rarity just smiled back, happy to distract her for now. "It's decided then!" She said... but, looked outside just now noticing the time. "Oh, dear.. we may not make it back in time."

It had gotten rather late ever since their started their gathering of gems, but now it was much later. The candy shop would be closing in the next hour, but it would take two hours to travel there.

Jaden stepped outside the cave, looking around the sky as she saw the sun in the distance. It had gotten late... but, she still wanted to stop by the shop, and the candy shop. It'd be nice to see them again.

The three wondered what to do, and all of them were coming up with different ideas to get there faster. Even with all the ideas, it wasn't enough to get there in time. It almost seemed hopeless.. until Spike looked to Jaden's wings.

"That's it!" He exclaimed as the other two just looked towards him. "Jaden, you're a bat pony! You could fly us there." He suggests next, gesturing towards her.

"Me?" Jaden said in surprise. "I-I.. don't know.. if I could carry both of you.." She said next, shyly looking down.

"Nonsense! I read that a bat pony's wings are as strong as an earth pony. Pegasus ponies have strong wings, but bat ponies need stronger wings for when you hunt at night!" He said next.

Jaden shook her head soon after, "That's another kind of bat pony... my kind isn't like that, and neither am I. I'm the smallest one in my colony.. or was.. and I could barely keep up with them."

Rarity looked to her wings, and her attitude towards flying couldn't help but remind her of Fluttershy. She just needed motivation. "Jaden!" She said, an idea coming to her.

" I think you can fly us over to Ponyville. With just me, and Spike, we should be easy enough to hold until we're over the Everfree forest. There, you can set us down, and we can walk to Ponyville and arrive just in time before the shop begins to close." She said, gesturing towards Spike next as she petted him. "Spikey-wikey is just a baby after all, and I am as light as a feather." She adds, afterword gesturing toward herself.

Spike didn't necessarily enjoy that Rarity was calling him a baby, but just pouted instead of speaking up against it. It helped that when she spoke about it though, she gave him a slight pet.

Jaden just stared at the two, still a bit worried. She was small, but she could carry them over the forest without much struggle. She'd have to be careful, but it was doable.

She gave a smile, and nodded. "Alright, we'll try."

Chapter 4 - The Flight to Ponyville

~A Lost Diamond in the Rough ~
Chapter 4- The Flight to Ponyville

Rarity and Spike had enough gems now to return to Ponyville, and had asked Jaden to take them over the Everfree Forest so that they could go to Ponyville from there. They wished to go to Sugar Cube Corner before it closed, but will they make it in time?

Jaden, the young bat pony, readied herself as her wings began to flap. Her bag and Spike sat on her back, and she asked Spike earlier to hold on tight. Her arms held onto Rarity, and slowly she began to fly higher where Rarity's hoofs didn't touch the ground. A slight sigh escaped her, and soon she flew out of the cave.

The three flew above the forest, and Rarity nervously reminded herself to not look down. Spike, on the other hoof, was enjoying himself.

"Woohhoo! Look at all of that! So tiny." He joked, jumping around on Jaden's back as he laughed.

"Careful, Spike..." She warned, staggering a bit in her flight.

"It's fine, Jaden, I've done this before." Spike tried to reassure but just jumped around some more. "Hey! There's that pond! We're almost over the forest" He said, pointing at the pond down below.

Jaden just bit her lip, trying to focus her flying even though she kept staggering thanks to Spike. She went up, then left, then back down. She wasn't used to carrying anyone in the first place. Up ahead a tree came closer and closer in their direct direction. She didn't realize it at first, but it was too late.. The three gave off a scream as they hit the tree.

All three flew off into different directions. Spike into the tree, Jaden into another tree, and poor Rarity launched into the ground below.

"Is everypony okay?" A voice called out.

Rarity recognized the voice, and looked up to see Rainbow Dash in the sky. She was laying on a cloud like usual, and was drinking a smoothie?

"My goodness! If you were there, why didn't you help?" Rarity retorted, standing up as she tried to fix her mane.

"Hey! I saw the crash, and that's it. Otherwise, I would've." Rainbow Dash spoke up.

Spike climbed down the tree he was in, then ran straight to Rarity. "Are you okay, Rarity?"

She just smiled, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, I'm fine.. thank you" She said looking up to him. Spike blushing in return.

Rainbow Dash moved to see another pony approaching them, and recognized the pony as a bat pony. She was only a little surprised at first, but just smirked. "Hey! Aren't you that Jaden girl?"

Jaden just blinked. "I.. uhm.. suppose?" She said a bit surprised.

"Great! Ya see, there were these three ponies that came into town the other day.. they're all bat ponies like you! They were all worried, and looking for ya. I told 'em I'd check Everfree Forest.. and hey, here ya are!" She said with a laugh.

Jaden only froze, as her eyes widen. ".....was one of them, a young... stallion?"

"Yeah! There was! He was all like-" Rainbow Dash began to say before noticing that Jaden was slowly walking away," Hey! Where ya going?!" Rarity and Spike saw as Jaden slowly backed away and knew exactly why.

Spike gave a big sigh, stopping Jaden. "Jaden... you can't just run away. Not this time."

"What are you talking about? Yes I can! I have to!" Jaden almost yelled at him, trying to get around him.

Rarity stopped her this time, moving herself to block Jaden's path. Spike only continued.

"Jaden.. you have to go to them..." He said, looking up to her.

"B-B-But... I can't... they all laughed at me.. and he... he..." She stuttered, shaking her head.

Spike only approached her more, slowly patting her. "Jaden, you have to hear what he has to say. He might have said nothing then, but now may be your last chance. If you leave now.. who knows when you'll ever see him again. "

Jaden only stood there, completely taken over by his words. (Of course, Rainbow Dash was really confused as she tried to pester Rarity what was going on. Rarity only shushing her in reply)

"Come on, Jaden. I'll be with you the whole time, and when we're done- we'll head on over to Sugar Cube Corner." Spike said next, offering to take her into Ponyville.

Jaden only shivered,"You will..?" She gave a long sniffle, slowly accepting his offer.

Rarity, in the background, was very proud of Spike. She told Rainbow Dash to simply lead the way to where the other bat ponies lied, and she'd tell her everything later. In the mean time, they had some work to do!

Chapter 5 - Last Encounter?

~A Lost Diamond in the Rough ~
Chapter 5- Last Encounter?

Rarity followed along the group as Rainbow Dash lead them into Ponyville. She could only think in frustration that the same three ponies from before were the same ponies Pinkie Pie threw a party for. Each one another large party! If I had just thought of that before, I would've guessed the three were from Jaden's colony She thought to herself. Her eyes looked ahead to see Spike running with Jaden behind Rainbow Dash. She quicken her step to keep up.

Spike only glanced to Jaden, trying to help his new friend. "Are you ready, Jaden?"

Jaden only groaned,"Maybe?!"

Rarity laughed from behind, hoping for the best. Though it didn't seem long as they all ran into Ponyville.

"This way! They're with Twilight!" Rainbow Dash said to them as she flew on ahead.

"Roger!" Spike said, this time leading the group.

Jaden tried to keep up, already tired from flying earlier. "Spike.. what if... they don't want to see me?"

Spike only laughed," Rainbow Dash said that they were looking for you, Jaden. Come on!"

The three kept on until finally Spike saw Twilight's home in the distance. He signaled them to slow down, and he stopped by the door. Jaden only stopped beside him, and surprisingly not trying to get away.

"Let's do this." He said, looking towards her. He awaited her reply before opening the door... Jaden nodding back.

The three entered the home.

Three other bat ponies sat inside by Twilight who was studying one of them. Piles of books were laid about all over the place, for it was obvious they must have been doing research. Rainbow Dash was already there, telling Twilight what happened. "Oh! There she is!" She said, just as Jaden entered and pointed towards her.

Jaden stared nervously at the three before her. The three staring back. Two of them were young mares, and the third was a large stallion. Although at the moment it was obvious that Jaden was telling the truth earlier, the three bat ponies towered above her, and so did Twilight and Rainbow Dash in comparison. Rarity must not have noticed before, but Spike was almost as tall as Jaden. The three bat ponies stepped closer toward Jaden, as they all expressed their shock.

One of the mares approached her first, almost screaming. "OH JADEN! Oh, sister! I miss you.. I missed you!" She says, correcting herself half-way through. The other mare pitching in, " Yeah, you really worried us..."

Jaden only blinked in surprise. "But, you guys made fun of me.."

Her sister only lowered her head. "I didn't mean to hurt you, I was just teasing you. Me, and the others... they wanted me to tell you how we really didn't mean to hurt you.."

The other mare nodded,"Me too. I just joined in the teasing without even thinking about how it would affect you.. "

Her sister and the other mare bat pony looked up towards Jaden slowly. "Can you forgive us? And the others?" Her sister asked.

"Yeah.." Jaden replies," I do..."

The three hugged each other tight after that. Her sister almost crying as she held her, and it seemed the other mare must have been a close friend. Jaden stopped as the other bat pony looked towards her. The two mares noticed this, too, and gave them some space.

"Hey.." Jaden said quietly toward him as he approached next...

He only stared more, sighing under his breath. It took a moment for him to speak... "I'm so glad you're safe." He said then gave a look before quickly hugging her tight next, not holding back one bit. She only blushed in response too shocked to move.

"Jaden... I couldn't say anything before.. because I wasn't sure what to say... When we left during that storm, I thought I lost you. I didn't know what to do Jaden! I couldn't go on without you with m-... " He paused, blushing as he cleared his throat. The other mares just giggling in the background. "... without you with us."

She only stared into his eyes, blushing more. He couldn't look away from it, though he did just slightly. The two blushed more, and eventually met their eyes with each other again.

"Jaden.. promise you won't ever leave. " He said next, holding her tight.

"I... I... I..." She said, slowly shaking her head. "I promise."

The others, including the other bat ponies, all was happy for the two. Spike just smiled as he gave her a wave, as he knew it would go well. His eyes retreated back to Rarity recalling when he almost told her how he loved her. His eyes met with hers as it seemed she was looking over to her as well. She gave him a bright smile, and it was one of those smiles that made his heart almost melt.

"Rarity... I.." Spike began to say before being interrupted by Twilight.

"Rarity! I'm glad you were able to find Jaden. These three were looking for her in Ponyville, and now they've reunited with her. Not only that, you helped her believe in her colony, didn't you?" She said, approaching her.

But, Rarity shook her head. "No, it was Spike.. for making her believe in giving him another chance. Not only that, but her friends as well. Though he didn't say that second part exactly..." She said, giving him a playful wink.

Spike just smiled,"Oh, it was nothing... that's what being friends all about. " He said looking back at Jaden still happily in the stallion's arms. Twilight, on the hoof, quite surprised to hear this.

"Spike, I believe that this would be quite a letter to Celestia~ " She said next, looking over to Spike.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash had a chance to speak to all of the bat ponies including Jaden. She had been whispering to them ever since Rarity was distracted by Twilight. "Alright.. that's the plan. " She finished, signaling them. The four just nodded, looking over to Rarity.

"Oh, Rarity~" Jaden called out, moving toward her.

Rarity turned from Twilight," Yes, Jaden? What is it?"

"We still have to go to Sugar Cube Corner, right?" Jaden asked next, nudging Spike.

"Oh! No! We totally forgot... we wanted to get there before it closed." Spike said in return, turning back toward Rarity.

"Oh... Twilight, and Rainbow Dash... well all of you, you're welcome to come with us?" Rarity asks, looking to all the bat ponies, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash.

They all shook their head almost exactly at the same time. "No, no, you go on ahead." said Rainbow Dash. "Please, we've been enough of a bother." said Jaden's sister. The five just smiled innocently.

Rarity was going to question this, hadn't Twilight go on ahead and lead them out. "Please go ahead Rarity! You need to get there before it closes!" She says, trying to warn them.

Rarity recalls, and leaves the library. She waited for Spike and Jaden to tag along before they left to the sweets shop.

At the back door of Sugar Cube Corner stood the same five as before. Rainbow Dash had flew back to the shop with the bat ponies while one of them carried Twilight. Twilight gave a gentle knock, to which Ms. Cupcake answered. "Is she here, yet?" She whispered. "No, she's not! Quick, come in.. come in!" Ms. Cupcake replied, opening the door wider for them to enter.

In the front of the shop, Rarity was starting to approach the shop. "Oh dear, why the lights are out.. we may have missed it!" She said, trying to peek inside. Spike and Jaden only giggle. "Maybe we should go in, I mean Pinkie Pie would at least save us a snack." Spike said next, convincing Rarity to go in. "Oh, I suppose." She said..Rarity opened the door....

"SURPRISE!!!" Shouted everyone from inside as the lights flashed on.

Inside was one of the best parties Rarity had ever seen, and she looked all around to see all of her friends just as well. Jaden and Spike walked in behind her, nudging her as they went. "Gotcha, huh?" Spike teased happily. "Glad we got you to open the door.." Jaden added.

Pinkie Pie, of course, jumped in towards Rarity. She hopped over and hugged her tight. But, it soon turned to a group hug as Fluttershy.. Rainbow Dash... AppleJack... and Twilight joined in.

Rarity just didn't know what to say.. " Why, it isn't my birthday everypony.. why.. the occasion?" She wondered, still very surprised. The friends departed from the hug with a slight giggle.

Pinkie Pie just laughed," Well, dduuhhh! I know when your birthday is! And it isn't today- Oh no! Not by a long shot!"

Twilight smiled," It's a party we wanted to throw to show how much we appreciate you... not only do we, but everypony here in Ponyville. You've done so much for all of us, and we know how you're shop's anniversary is coming up. So, we wanted to help you celebrate and congratulate you!" She said gesturing to the party.

"Plus it's another reason to parrrttyy!" Pinkie Pie adds in, releasing her party cannon.

Rarity blushed hearing the mention of her shop's anniversary," You knew about that?!" And as soon as she said this, little Sweetie Belle emerged from the crowd.

"I told them earlier how you opened your shop a week from today, and that was yesterday!" She said with a squeak.

"We didn't have much time to plan for the party.. so we had to plan it today..." Fluttershy added in next.

"Not only that! We had to keep it a surprise from you!" Applejack pitched in next, wiping her forehead. "Twasn't easy."

Rarity smiled at her friends, and toward Sweetie Belle, too. Her eyes looked out to all of her friends in the crowd.. and toward all her past customers just as well. They all were here to thank her, and celebrate her success. Her eyes began to water.. "Thank you everypony.. Thank you..." She quietly said, looking up back at them.

The party lasted well past closing time for the shop, but the Cakes didn't mind. Everyone had much fun, and plenty of cake. Fluttershy was able to bring Angel, and introduced him to all of the bat ponies. Applejack played many games, along with Rainbow Dash, and was able to get to know Jaden. Jaden got to meet all of Rarity's friends, in fact, and it turns out that she already knew the Cakes. The Cakes introduced their children, but had to do so through photos since they were asleep. (It was past their bed time) Towards the end of the party, Jaden was able to dance with a certain other bat pony, and the two danced together for three songs. Plus they weren't the only ponies dancing together. Although Spike wanted to offer Rarity a dance, Jaden's sister asked him for one instead. Even though he tried to leave after each song, she held onto him through the next one.

Eventually Jaden gave Rarity the gems within her bag, and thanked her for what she did. Spike giving Rarity all the gems he had carried as well. Jaden thanked Spike again one last time for everything he did. If it wasn't for the two of them, well.. she didn't know what would've happened. Jaden left with her colony as they continued their migration.. though it was difficult for all of them to leave as Jaden's sister was trying to take Spike with them.

Rarity was able to finish her new clothing line, and dedicated the name of it to Jaden... calling the new clothing line "Dark Jaden."

Chapter 2 - Quick Snack before Tears

~A Lost Diamond in the Rough ~
Chapter 2- Quick Snack before Tears

Rarity and Spike stood in awe at that the bat pony that stood before them. Spike never seeing one before in his life, and Rarity.., well, she hadn't seen one before either. Spike just gazed at the her wings, and wondered how she flew. Rarity, meanwhile, was amazed at her dark grey coat, and her fluffy ears.

"My goodness! You're a.. bat pony." Rarity says after composing herself, but then quickly adds," Why, I don't mean that in a bad way, of course. Not that there is a bad way.. or a bad form of that. I'm sure." A slight sigh escapes her.

"And your wings! They're just like a bat! I mean, you are a bat pony- but still! Oh, does that mean you can't see us very well, too?" Spike suddenly questions instantly without worrying how it would convey.

Jaden looks at the two a bit confused, and was taken back by the sudden attention. "I.. uhm.. no, I can see fine. We're not like that. But, it depends on the kind of bat ponies.. there are different kinds... I mean, uhm, well not that many... but still."

She looks back as she finishes, then blinks as they both suddenly stare intensely.

"Different.. kinds?!" Spike says first, suddenly excited to know. "Wow, I read about you guys before, but only a few books had any information." He then shrugs, recalling how he read them one time back at the library.

Rarity, on the other hoof, was simply adoring her coat. But, notices how the bat pony was a complete mess. Of course, the poor thing was crying just moments before! She then taps Spike gently,"Now, Spike. Let the lady breathe." She says, trying to tell him not to ask so many questions.

Jaden only blushed, slowly looking away as she lowered her head. "I.. don't suppose.. you have any food with you?"

"Yeah, our kind of food. But if you want I could go get you lots of moths-- " Spike pitched in before Rarity covered his mouth.

"Yes, of course~ You can join us in our little picnic." Rarity says toward Jaden with a large smile before turning slightly away from her. "Spike, we have to be careful about what we say. She's not a bat. She's a pony, too!" She whispers to him.

Spike nods, giving her a wink in understanding. "Gotcha."

The two then innocently smile towards Jaden, and leave to set up the picnic. Or, rather, Spike left to go set up the picnic.

Moments later, after the blanket had been set down and the dishes were set, Rarity served the main course. "Now, I know it isn't much.. but it was last minute, so do forgive if it isn't perfect." She says as she passes each serving.

Spike just smiled as his eyes almost shifted to hearts,"Oh Rarity, anything you make is perfect!"

Rarity only smiled, before gasping slightly. "Oh! I almost forgot yours, Spike." She says as she goes into her basket. Although she didn't have many gems to give him, she made him a special sandwich filled with little bits of leftover gems she had leftover from her workshop. They were too small for her to use.

"There." She said as she handed it to him.

Spike soon took a big bite out of it as soon as she gave it to him. "Mmmmnn~ T-hanks Rarity." He said as he ate.

Jaden gave a soft giggle at the two, then looks towards the food that Rarity gave her. "Uhm... may I ask.. what is in our sandwiches?"

"Oh, that's perfectly fine dear. I added a few things to ours... like, oh, let's see now... daffodils, a bit of sugar, a hint of mint, and a touch of parsley. " She says with a smile, softly taking a bite out of her sandwich.

Jaden just smiled, too, soon eating hers as well.

The three keep eating as Rarity served one more dish afterword, then gave everyone a drink of water. Even though there were only three of them, they were getting along nicely. Spike was the first to finish seeing as it took him no time to finish off his sandwich.

"So, Jaden - that is how you say it, right? - I was wondering.. I read that you travel with your families. Or, sometimes within your own groups called 'colonies'. " Spike says, rather curious she was alone.

Jaden paused, her smile fading.

Rarity gave a pause, too, worried for the young mare.

"We do..." Jaden says after taking a moment to answer. "I'm just... just... " She stops, her eyes beginning to water.

Rarity puts aside her dish, moving towards Jaden as she sat beside her. "You don't have to tell us.. but we're here for you, dear." She says, gently putting her hoof against the mare.

Jaden only sniffs, looking towards her. "I-I...I-.." She stutters, before suddenly crying like before.

Her head leans into Rarity, and she, in turn, holds her as she cried. She couldn't just sit there, after all. She had to be there for the poor thing. Oh, Twilight... AppleJack... if you were here, you would know just what to do. Fluttershy would at least be better at these sorts of things. Rainbow Dash, well.. I'm not so sure what she'd do. She thought to herself, knowing that Pinkie Pie would almost panic on how to help the poor bat pony.

Spike sat awkwardly across from them, but kept silent. He went ahead and grabbed the dishes as he helped clean up.

Jaden cried into Rarity until her eyes hurt too much to cry anymore.. but her head still lowered against her, now just embarrassed she had done so. She just met the pony, and was already crying into her arms.

"I.. I'm sorry..." Jaden mutters, wiping her eyes.

Rarity shakes her head, fixing her mane as most of it curled from the long hour of crying. "No worries.." She said, thankful she packed her brush. After she finished brushing her own hair, she brushed a little of Jaden's too.

Spike had fell asleep half-way through the ordeal since there wasn't much he could do, and he was tired. A nap suited him just fine, as he laid there curled up into a tight ball.

"Heh, how long... has he been asleep?" Jaden asks, seeing Spike.

"Oh, he must have been tired. Poor Spikey-wikey..." Rarity coos, moving over as she used the picnic blanket to cover him up. The sleepy Spike taking the blanket as he smiled within his dreamy state.

Jaden looked away from the two, and towards the exit of the cave. It had gotten into the late afternoon now.. though she wasn't sure the exact time..

Rarity turned towards Jaden, not sure what to say.. but it was she had to help her.

"Jaden, I know we haven't known each other for long, but ---" Rarity tried to say..

"I left my colony.." Jaden interrupts, slowly looking up to Rarity. "I didn't leave, really.. they left, and I stayed behind... but, it was my choice to. I wanted to stay behind." She said next, looking down now.

"Jaden.. why.. did you want to be left behind?" Rarity asked next.

She took a long moment, then looked further outside the cave. "Because... I couldn't face them. The night before they left... I.. I confessed to a.. well, you'd call him a young stallion, that I loved him. Everyone was so surprised and almost teased it constantly... and he... he just walked away. It took me many months to gather the courage to tell him, and he didn't say one word at all that night."

She pauses... looking to her wings. "I'm the smallest of the colony, and I'm not the brightest. I know I'm not as great as he is... so... he must think of me as a fool..." Her eyes lowered once more. "How could I just leave with them if I couldn't see him again without crying.. or with the others constantly picking at me for liking him or questioning if I loved him... The same morning they left... a storm came through and I used the rain as cover to leave before they left. I came back to the cave.. and I've stayed here ever since... "

Rarity waited, slowly forming her words. "Well, I can't say what he may think of you.... or what they think of you," She says, more assuringly as she continued," but I, for one, know that you're simply delightful, Jaden. You're just fine the way you are."

Jaden slowly looked towards her, giving a small smile. "You really think so?"

"Of course I do." Rarity said next, hugging her.