School was always good for fillies. They could study whatsoever nature made law, social interaction, study of equine, or simply make a friend or two. It was no different with Ponyville Elementary School, a one room school which provided most basic education to fillies in Ponyville. Every morning at school day, they came across Ponyville with a new spirit, to learn much information they don’t know, to be embraced by knowledge, and to sight a friendship.
“Hey, blank flanks! What ridiculous journey you’ll make after school this time? May I recommend you something? Maybe, polish my beautiful tiara? My previous personal polisher quitted a week ago.”
The CMC glared at her.
“Oh-oh yeah! Maybe, you could polish my spoon and shoes too, so you guys can change your name to Polisher Crusaders!” added Silver Spoon, Tiara’s more-likely-follower-than-best-friend.
“Mind your own business, Diamond Tiara. You just jealous of our adventure don’t you,” said Scootaloo.
Tiara rolled her eyes. “Jealous? Please. What to jealous about? Your smoothy blank flank? Don’t make me laugh, Scoot.”
“Come on now, crusaders! It’s no use to argue with them,” said Sweetie Belle.
“Yeah, she made a point there, ha!” said Silver Spoon.
“Let’s mock at them, Silver Spoon. Blank flank, blank flank!”
“Blank flank, blank flank!” echoed Silver Spoon.
Apple Bloom, which her face now redder than her ribbon, galloped at them. “That’s enough, Diamond Tiara!”
She jumped and faced Tiara muzzle to muzzle. All the fillies in class were too shocked to react when,
“Good morning cl- what the!?” said Cheerilee as she saw at two angry fillies. “Stop, right now, fillies!”
Cheerilee and fillies tried to separate them.
“Let me go!” said Apple Bloom, dragged by Scoot and Sweetie Belle.
“Yea, let her go, so her blank flank can showed freely to every ponies!” said Tiara.
“What was you said? I show you-unf,” said Apple Bloom as she tried to release herself.
“I said, blank-“
“Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, stop the fighting right now!” shouted Cheerilee.
“But, Ms. Cheerilee-“
“I said stop, then stop!”
Apple Bloom stared at her and Diamond Tiara. She almost bit her own tongue to hold her filly’s anger. Knew that this will go nowhere, after few seconds she sighed. “Okay, crusaders. Y’all can release me now.” Scoot and Sweetie Belle was doubt, but they did loosen their hooves.
“What’s wrong with you, Apple Bloom? She did it like yesterday, and one day before that, and another day! So why now?” asked Scoot.
“It just, ah can’t hold it anymore. Oh, ah ’m sorry guys.”
There were noises from other fillies. Cheerilee can only looked Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom with pity looks. “Tiara, Apple Bloom, I demand you to meet me after school. We have to talk about this. But for now, let us all start the study.” said Cheerilee as she took a book from her pink saddlebag.
*
It was eleven past ten, time to go home after study. But now, in teacher’s room (or just Cheerilee’s room because she was the only teacher there) there were 2 fillies sat awkwardly with some space separated each other in front of Cheerilee’s desk.
“What’s the matter now, fillies?” asked Cheerilee.
Apple Bloom opened her muzzle. “She always mock at me, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, Ms. Cheerilee, coz the fact that us don’t have our cutie mark yet!”
“Is that right, Diamond Tiara?” Cheerilee turned to her.
She turned her face away. “Yea, well.”
“Now why you did it?”
She glanced for a moment. She rubbed her back legs each other. “Umm, well, if you asked it that way, Ms. Cheerilee, I can’t say any reason.”
Apple Bloom literally hoped from her chair. “No reason huh, well that mean there’s no reason ah needed to-“
“Apple Bloom! It is not even 5 minute yet we talking here. Now please sit down again,” said Cheerilee before Apple Bloom throw some swear.
To Cheerilee’s surprise, Apple Bloom just stopped at moment and nodded. “Right. Ah ‘m sorry, Ms. Cheerilee.”
“You know, filly fighting like this often happened, but it doesn’t mean that we have to let it there. There were times when I had filly fighting too back when I was your age, so I know that it just pointless. You fillies wait for a second,” said Cheerilee as she searched something in her drawer.
“Now, I want you guys to keep along. I ask you to work in a team to find me this certain flower,” said Cheerilee as she put a flower photo. It was nice flower, yet not that it’s rare or something.
“O, Ms. Cheerilee. Ya can’t do this to us, ah mean, me!” said Apple Bloom.
Cheerilee leaned on her chair, corrected her position. “I can. I’m your teacher, remember?”
“But Ms. Cheerilee-“
“If you both don’t do this, I’ll make sure you both stayed at the same grade next year. How about that?” said Cheerilee with a quite grin.
Diamond Tiara flipped her hooves. “Okay, okay, I got it, Ms. Cheerilee. Now, where we have to find that stupid flower?”
“Well, who knows where is it. Maybe you’ll find it at back of school, or Ms. Bonbon’s Garden, or, well, maybe at Ms. Bonbon’s garden.”
“So be Ms. Bonbon’s garden. Okay, off to go, Ms. Cheerilee!” said Apple Bloom.
“Hey, don’t be so rush, Apple Bloom. Have I said that you have to do this together with Diamond Tiara?” stopped Cheerilee.
“Yea, didn’t you hear her?” said Tiara.
“Will you stop to say like that, Tiara? This work is supposed to make you fillies along. Now work together. The deadline is tomorrow. Now use that time and bring the flower at next class, okay!”
*
“What takes you so long, blank flank?”
Apple Bloom’s face started to redden again, but she could hold it this time. “Ah went to mah friends, said that ah be late coz this after school’s work with ya.”
“Oh, you went to meet your other blank flank friends, right?” said Tiara.
Instead prolonged the arguing, Apple Bloom turned another way. “Say what you want, Tiara, for all ah care. For now let us-she sticks out her tongue-go to Ms. Bonbon’s garden and ask for a flower or maybe a bouquet for Ms. Cheerilee.”
Tiara stood for surprised. “Uhh, wait, Apple Bloom!”
Apple Bloom stopped. “Did you just say ‘Apple Bloom’, Tiara?”
“Did I say that? Oh, I mean, yes. I said Apple Bloom! That is your name, right? What more I called you beside that name,” said Tiara.
Apple Bloom face brightened. “O Diamond Tiara! Ah couldn’t believe that! At least you called mah name! Ms. Cheerilee was right, this homework can get us along!” said Apple Bloom bouncily.
“Yes, yes, she was right. Uh, and you know, Apple Bloom? I had come to Ms. Bonbon’s garden earlier before you came. She said that she doesn’t have that flower for now.”
Apple Bloom scrunched. “Really? That shucks! Oh oh, but now we can find it together, as a friends! We can go to back of school, or the yard, or anywhere in Ponyville! This is gonna be fun!”
“Nooo!” shouted Tiara. “Err, I mean, Ms. Bonbon already said to me where to find that flower!”
“She did? How nice of her,” said Apple Bloom.
“Yes, unfortunately, the flower can only be found in the darkest and scariest place of all over Equestria.”
Apple Bloom did a thinking gesture. “You mean-“
“Yes, I mean Everfree Forest,” said Tiara with horror dramatically sound.
“Well, let’s go there, Tiara!” said Apple Bloom already galloped.
“Huh? Wait, wait! You don’t afraid?”
“Fret for what? Ah have a friend there! She named, um, Zora, Zacca, or maybe Zilgiester. Well, maybe when we meet her, ah will remember her name! Now let’s go!”
*
Even Canterlot’s library didn’t have many books about Everfree Forest. Its mystery had not been solved completely, for the darkness and danger creatures there made ponies away. The most research done only reached about 5 miles from the outer line, even the one involving pegasus. Rumor said that Princess Celestia could make it there, or even, had some connection.
And now, two little fillies; one didn’t have her cutie mark yet, stood bravely in front of the edge of Everfree Forest to complete their journey on flower searching mission.
“Ah-ah don’t think it’s a good idea at all,” said Apple Bloom trembled.
Diamond Tiara smirked a bit. “Why not? Didn’t you say that you have a friend inside that horribly dark mysterious forest named Zombrero?” said Tiara while hide her own trembled leg.
“Um, maybe today isn’t a good time to disturb her, ya know. Maybe, she went out to- the market! Or maybe it is time to go to zebra school!”
“Come on, Apple Bloom. Don’t you want this thrilling journey, with a friend?” said Tiara.
“Friend?! Oh, of course, mah friend Tiara! Sure we’ll make this a super thrilling journey, a journey with a friend!” said Apple Bloom.
“That’s what I call, err, whatever it’s supposed to be called! Hehe,” said Diamond Tiara. “Gotcha,” added Tiara in her heart as Apple Bloom took the bait.
Apple Bloom observed all the direction. “Now, what was Ms. Bonbon told ya again, Tiara?”
Her smile broke. “Oh, right! She said that, um, we have to search it in forward direction!”
Apple Bloom lifted her eyebrow. “Forward, eh?”
“Yea, forward! Then, let’s go forward!” said Tiara as she moved to ‘forward’.
“Okay! Can we sing a journey song! Oh, I loved sing so much!”
“Oh, stop it! Er, I mean, can we hold the singing until we found the flower?” said Tiara.
“All right then, friend!”
*
“Bonbon! How are you?” said Cheerilee as she met her.
“Oh, hi Cheerilee! Thanks for asking. Actually Lyra came here yesterday. She just looked at my garden, and when we had conversation, her face reddened and sweat leaked like from all of her body. I don’t say that wasn’t hot, tough. Heheh, and I don’t mean it like a pun,” said Bonbon.
Cheerilee shook her head “No, Bonbon. It is you the one who face reddened and sweat leaked from all of your body!”
She blushed. “Okay, okay. I admit my face blushed a bit, but it just that.”
Cheerilee chuckled. “By the way, Bonbon, had my students come here earlier?”
“Your students?” said Bonbon. “I guess not. You’re the first guest today.”
“Hm? I think I gave them clue very clearly. Well, I do teach them how to think out of the box; maybe I should erase it for next curriculum.”
“What’s the matter?”
Cheerilee touched her head. “Well, Bonbon. The thing is, I sent two of my students to find me a flower, and I expected they came here to ask you for that.”
“Who?”
“Their names are Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara, do you know them?”
Bonbon tried to remember something. “Apple Bloom- Apple- oh, is it as in Apple Apple? Well, I went to Apple’s barn to load their organic waste a week ago, but I didn’t see any filly. There were AJ, her hot brother, and Granny Smith. I don’t know about Diamond Tiara, maybe she was from some rich family?”
“Gosh. I already sense uneasy feeling now,” said Cheerilee.
“Relax, Cheerilee. Maybe they are just playing in town or something. What’s the worst could be happened?”
*
“I’m coming!” shouted Cheerilee as she went to know who lovely pony made ‘knock knock’ sound at her door.
“O hi, Ms. Cheerilee!” said the little filly with silver tiara on her head.
“Diamond Tiara? Whoa, come on in!”
She and Diamond Tiara then sat in the living room. “Just sit down when I made a tea, okay!” said Cheerilee.
Cheerilee’s house was another ‘home-sweet-home’. It was tidy and cutely organized; a typical single mare’s house on her ages. There were flower vase in table and a photo of she and her family hanged in wall; her parents were pass away, though.
She dedicated herself to teach and lived with fillies. In her spare time she would volunteer to care old ponies, warmed their rusty heart with her kind smile and helped them do stuff like knitting.
It was a shame that kind pony decided to live as a single mare. She claimed that she needs no “special somepony” to accompany her through life.
Minutes later, she brought a kettle with two fancy ceramic cups. “I just bought this tea from Trottingham. Here, have a try on it!” said Cheerilee as she poured the tea.
“Thanks, Ms. Cheerilee, and here’s the flower you wanted, Ms. Cheerilee!” said Diamond Tiara cheerily. Strangely cheer.
Cheerilee sat still and then she took the flower. “Hm, okay, so you finish the work I gave, but, where’s Apple Bloom? You are supposed to do it together, right?”
Diamond Tiara didn’t answer. She looked below and gave a sad eye.
“Wha-what’s the matter, Tiara?” asked Cheerilee carefully.
She began to sob. “Apple Bloom, she-she left me alone and threaten me,” said Diamond Tiara dramatically.
Ms. Cheerilee opened her muzzle for no voice, made an ‘o’ shape. “She what?!” said Cheerilee at least.
Diamond Tiara gulped. “I-I thought we could be a friend. I demand her forgiveness for what I’ve done until this time. But, she- oh maybe I’ve done too much to hurt her. She was angry to me all along, and with her big hooves, she shoved me down. She told that I have to do this alone and carry it to her home, and on tomorrow class, we should act like a team and such, and then she just leave to her friends which is absolutely not me. O, why she did this.”
Cheerilee’s jaw dropped. “I-I can’t believe it.”
“So do I, Ms. Cheerilee,” said Diamond Tiara.
Cheerilee shook her head. “But, it’s impossible! I mean, she is an Apple, as in Apple Apples! And-and everyone know the honesty and kindness of Apple family’s member!”
“So do I, Ms. Cheerilee,” said Diamond Tiara again. “But maybe, I thought it was because me all the time-“
“No, it couldn’t be your fault, Diamond Tiara. Don’t blame yourself. You tried to ask forgive, it’s good. Maybe, her heart isn’t opened yet,” said Cheerilee.
“Thank you, Ms. Cheerilee.”
“Okay, now you may go home. I’ll talk to Apple Bloom tomorrow. Thanks, Diamond Tiara.”
*
“Diamond Tiara! Where are you?!”
Apple Bloom run all the way, searched for her new friend. “Come on now, Tiara! It’s not funny anymore!”
She was running alone. Her heart beat so fast. It had been 6 hours since she with her friend walked into Everfree Forest.
The more she runs, the more she didn’t know where she is now. She didn’t know if she just went into deeper of the forest, or went out, or just went circle. All the direction looked same.
Sunlight wasn’t through the forest anymore, made the way hard to be looked.
“Ouch!” shouted Apple Bloom as she tripped over a strangle root in front of her. She hit the ground, dragged some dirt. “O my muzzle!” said Apple Bloom. She rubbed her muzzle, there was a bit of blood on her hooves.
She was tired and hungry. She ate her food 3 hours ago and all the running spent her body so much. Her legs couldn’t stand again for heaven know how much she run and rest. Now she just lied there, panting.
She remembered the first hour walk. She couldn’t believe she was having fun with her, Diamond Tiara, her filly-foe from the very first time. All those jokes, heh, she didn’t even know that Diamond Tiara could know good jokes. She told her the story with CMC, how they tried to get the cutie mark, and of course how they failed miserably. And then they were laugh together.
And suddenly she was alone. She didn’t know where Tiara went. She just took a rest in nearest pond, and when she came back again, Tiara wasn’t there. There’s a letter wrote, said “Let’s play hide and seek, friends!” She was happy to play and began to look for her, for hours.
She almost believed that she and Diamond Tiara could be a true friend. She even thought in her head to invite her to CMC, maybe be a star guest to told story how she got her cutie mark and became inspiration.
But the thought now faded away. She was confused, and she didn’t want to think anything anymore.
She began to think the worst. She was in the darkest and most mysterious forest, with all the danger may be come from anywhere. Even if nothing would harm her, she’d be death eventually for the hunger and dehydration.
Death. A little filly that hadn’t her cutie mark yet has to face the death. That poor filly maybe didn’t know what death even mean was.
She rolled over. Tears began to drop. “O Diamond Tiara. Ah-ah thought, we could be friend. O big sis, where are ya when ah need ya,” murmured Apple Bloom, just to heard by no one.
Krack.
Maybe there was one.
“Apple sauce!” swore Apple Bloom as she surprised to whatsoever made the sound.
She remained silent, hoping the sound will be made again. “Di-Diamond Tiara? Is it you?”
Krack.
Hrrr.
The ‘krack’ sound now followed by a silently growl. And it wasn’t good.
*
An orange colored infamous pony galloped along the way. She didn’t have the time to rest for a second. She had looked her little sister everywhere in Ponyville. She did look at CMC tree house, only to found Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, but not her sister. She searched at town center. She even tried to ask her every friend to help. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went to flying competition at another country. Twilight was sick, while Rarity and Pinkie Pie out from their store and helped her just to find no result, the same as Applejack.
“Con sarn it!” Applejack at least stopped and kicked the road. The sun has down to horizon, and Princess Luna would raise the moon a few minutes later.
A red big pony appeared upon her. “Big Macintosh! Found Apple Bloom yet?”
Big Mac was panting, barely caught his breath. “Nope.”
“The hay on Ponyville that’s little filly now!” said Applejack.
Applejack then laid her body on nearest chair. “Arrgh!”
“Have-have you came to Cheerilee?” said Big Mac.
Applejack swung her hooves. “Ah have! And ya know what, Big Mac? She blurted thing, said Apple Bloom left her friend, even more threat her! Ah didn’t ever see her hush a bunny or little creatures, and now Cheerilee said she shoved a filly? What kind of lie was that?!”
“A filly? Who?”
“Huh? Who? Well, ah didn’t ask that. But how could it help us find Apple Bloom?”
“We could ask her where direction Apple Bloom left or where they separated way, if she said the right thing, it is.”
Applejack stared at him. “Ah think ya should talk more from now, Big Mac!”
*
“O hi, Applejack! Any good news?” asked Cheerilee.
“Not yet, Cheerilee. And, ah ‘m sorry for shouted, ah really worry about Apple Bloom,” said Applejack.
“It’s okay. I do understand.”
“Err, so, Cheerilee. Ya said that Apple Bloom, was, on pair to a home work, right? Then, she left that filly ya paired and such.”
“Why, yes.”
“Who’s that filly? Ah don’t mean to doubt ya or she at all, but, maybe we could ask her where Apple Bloom was left this afternoon.”
“Hmm, her name was Diamond Tiara. She said she left to her friends. I don’t know about certain friends, but because she often hanged with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, so-“
Applejack drank her tea. “Guess never heard about this Diamond Tiara. Apple Bloom lately being private about her schools day. And for Scoot and Sweetie Belle, I had come to tree house earlier. They said that she doesn’t come.”
Applejack stood. “So, where’s this Diamond Tiara’s house? I am going to ask her about mah sis.”
“Glad at least you maintain your composure, Applejack. But it is already night, and its rude to her parents to interrogate a filly you don’t even know,” said Cheerilee.
“Interrogate? That’s rich if ya said that. Ah just want to stop by and ask some questions where was Apple Bloom-“
“Applejack, let’s call it a day and we ask her tomorrow morning. You’re already worn out and-“
“Ah couldn’t care less about me anymore when mah sister is out there looking for mah help, Big Mac!” roared Applejack, instinctively held her big brother away, gripped him with all of her rest strength.
Then there was long silent.
Big Mac carefully saw her sister’s horrible condition. Her eyes were red because of tired for scanned every park and trees. Her hooves bruised. Her mane was no better as her red hair band dropped somewhere. Her muzzle blackened from the sewer.
“I-i must look for Apple Bloom. She maybe needs mah help right now. And-and ah couldn’t imagine if she, she-“
Big Mac hugged her sister tightly as her tears began to drop. She couldn’t hold her cry anymore. Cheerilee was really touched too, seeing her cry so helpless. She remembered when Applejack worked day and night to double check all of the vegetables planted right in Ponyville farm. She remembered too when Applejack took most of the part in Nightmare Mare celebration.
And she remembered too when she was a filly, helplessly cornered by some timberwolve puppies, Applejack was the brave one who dare to fight against them until adults came. She bet that there are no ponies in Ponyville except they were get Applejack’s hooves at least for once.
But now, the most honest, most kind, most dependable pony, cried like a filly, desperate for looking her beloved one.
Apples were most proud of their big family. It was not only because of the quantity, but also the invincible strong love for each other bounded them altogether, whether they were near or far.
And for Applejack herself, if there was something she could throw her life for; it must be her family member.
*
Diamond Tiara stayed awake in her bed. She just looked the ceiling. Her eyes couldn’t close and her heart beat raced too fast for a little filly like that. Her mind was full of thought about her new friend which she left in Everfree Forest. Apple Bloom image was clearly visualized in her head. She could even listen her every sound and every conversation they made there.
Apple Bloom just thought she was her friend, and Diamond Tiara herself left her alone ruined all the hope.
And maybe her life.
“Wha-what have I done?” said Diamond Tiara to herself, soaked with sweat even though Ponyville’s reached 20C that night.
She sat uncomfortably on her bed with her hooves pressed her chest. She couldn’t imagine how Apple Bloom would through the night. Even an adult had to bring at least hunting or bushing tools to survive in a wood. This was just Apple Bloom, a filly from farmer ponies. Sure she had worked out her muscle a bit, but she just a filly for Celestia’s sake, and even more in the depth of Everfree Forest!
“I-I am so mean,” said Tiara to herself with puddle of tears in her eyes. It wasn’t a long time until she buried her face to pillow while cry her heart out.
*
“So- hungry. So- thirsty. So- tired,” whispered Apple Bloom as she dropped to the ground. She just galloped from some hungry timberwolves back then. It was a miracle, if there was one, which Apple Bloom could loose from their chasing. There was energy from nowhere that drove Apple Bloom to run, hid in bushes, climbed to trees, and at least lost from the wolves’ sight.
Krack.
“Oh, not again,” said Apple Bloom. She tried to stand up, but she couldn’t feel her legs. “Arrgh,” even she couldn’t make a sound anymore.
Krack.
“Can’t- go- any- more,” whispered Apple Bloom until she lost her consciousness.
Then that creature stood near her. It crouched and checked the vein of Apple Bloom. It opened her black wardrobe and laid Apple Bloom on her back carefully. The moonlight shone those beautiful stripes as she walked Apple Bloom.
“You have through a big journey, little filly. Now sleep a while and let gone of all your worry”
===A New Friensdhip I by applebloomfan===
=====chapter 2 An Apple and A Tiara by applebloomfan=====
Dawn had not even arrived when Apples’ Barn already made some noise. It was 7 hours since Applejack and Big Macintosh went home from Cheerilee’s house. Applejack didn’t want to wait for sunrise. She just wasted her precious time –Apple Bloom’s precious time- and didn’t want to prolong anymore. Every second counted.
Applejack had her bath, meal, and sleep to regain her energy. Actually she fell asleep because she didn’t take a rest after yesterday in the middle of work to search Apple Bloom. But she currently fully woke up, was ready anytime to continue searching for her little sis.
An old green colored pony walked slowly approached her. She yawned and put her hooves to her mouth, clearly still tired.
“Ah ‘m sorry, Granny Smith. Didn’t mean to wake you up this mornin’,” said Apple Jack.
Granny Smith looked outside from the window. “I don’t see any morning, young ‘un.”
She chuckled, and then checked her saddlebag for last time. “I’m all set. Big Mac must stay to maintain the farm work, so I’ll be by mahself. Wish me found Apple Bloom, Granny Smith!” said Applejack while she hugged her grandma.
“Y’know, Applejack. Whatever happened, ya must bear in yer mind that she really loves ya more than anythin’ in her life,” said Granny Smith softly.
“I know that. Ah ‘ll find her no matter what. Promise,” said Applejack. She then galloped out of the barn in the darkness night.
She ran for five minutes until she slowed down and came to her sense. “Where now should ah begin?” said Applejack. Ponyville was just a small town, and she had search Apple Bloom all around Ponyville yesterday, north to south, west to east.
“Of course! If I want to search Apple Bloom, ah ‘ve to think like Apple Bloom,” she said with a bright smile. “Well, where would ah ‘m now if I was her?”
Everfree Forest.
Applejack touched her head. “Hmm, unlikely, but, she does like adventure and maybe- the hay?!” She jumped and directed the flashlight to the source. It was a little bright magenta filly, as sized as Apple Bloom. “Whoa, lil missy! What are you doing here? Guess it’s time for little filly in her warm blanket now,” said Applejack.
“She- huff, Apple Bloom, was, in Everfree Forest,” said Diamond Tiara in panting.
“Rest for a bit won’t cha, ah can’t hear you for- huh? Did ya just say Apple Bloom?!” asked Applejack.
Diamond Tiara gulped. “Yes, Apple Bloom was in Everfree Forest,” said Diamond Tiara in a clearer voice.
“Everfree Forest? Now what was she doing there?” Applejack then turned to Diamond Tiara. “And who ya ’re, lil missy? And why you run to me, if ‘s that the thang, in this late night?”
“I- I am-“
Applejack held Tiara’s face. “Worry none, sugarcube. I ain’t a filly eater, now I?”
She then looked Applejack in her eyes. “O- okay. My name’s Diamond Tiara, and I-“ “Diamond Tiara?! So ya who-“
Applejack immediately stopped when she looked at that poor little filly that covered her head with two hooves, afraid of her. “Oh, no. I did it again. Ah ‘m sorry,” she hugged Tiara. “Please don’t cry. Forgive me.” The filly sobbed and lifted her head a bit. “Look, sugarcube. I promise to you. I won’t ever do that again,” said Applejack to relieve her.
“Thanks,” said Diamond Tiara.
“That’s right. Here, Ah ’ll wipe yer tears.” Applejack’s hooves were hard as a farmer she was, but it kept them always warm and protective. It was of course matched her nature as a kind and helpful pony.
“Hop on mah back. We’ll talk a bit and you can nap then,” said Applejack as she crouched.
*
“Yee haw, Apple Jack!” said Apple Bloom cheerfully. “Look what can ah pull out!” She galloped, herded a big horde of bulls nine times her sizes along the yard. She had doing it for good 1 hour; just her daily practice.
“Show ‘em the boss, Apple Bloom!” shouted Apple Jack from the side. She sat with all of her friends: Dash, Pinkie, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity. There were also Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, Big Mac and Granny Smith, and all of Apples Family.
Apple Bloom’s grin widened. She then took full speed and managed to make the horde did smooth turn. “Ya can do it!” shouted Apple Jack again, cheered her beloved sister.
She was supposed to herd the bulls into their barn. Apple Jack promised her a special prize if she succeeded at that. There was nothing in this world made her happier anymore, she thought.
“Apple Bloom, look!” shouted Scootaloo, pointed at a single bull which went out from the horde. “Horseapples!” swore Apple Bloom. “Spike, Winona! Get ‘em!”
The pair then chased the runaway bull. “Oh you don’t get anywhere!” said Spike. “Faster, Spike! He will go through the gate!” said Winona. “Don’t you worry, Winona! The gate kept by Apple Bloom’s trusted friend, Diamond Tiara!”
The bull fastened its running directed to the gate; left Spike and Winona far behind. It was ready to break through the gate using its tough head and sharp horn. Until now, the bulls recognized to be the strongest land creatures of all Equestria. It couldn’t be sure whether the gate could hold from the bulls drive or not.
“Diamond Tiara! Keep the gate so-“
The bull ran freely through the opened gate. “Huh?”
All ponies were silent. Apple Bloom stopped too, stared at now faded bull as it run to Ponyville direction away from the barn. And on the gate, there was Diamond Tiara smiled. “Ti- Tiara? But-but I trust you,” said Apple Bloom.
There was hoof patted her shoulder. It was Applejack’s. “You have tried, Apple Bloom.” Them were sad and pity eyes, disappointed at her. “A-Apple Jack! Let- let me do it again!” Apple Bloom begged her sister.
Then there were disappointed sound from the ponies. They pointed and laughed at Apple Bloom. Slowly, they retreated one by one, left Apple Bloom and Apple Jack alone in a huge yard. “Oh no! Everypony, don’t go!” shouted Apple Bloom.
“Looks like there is nopony want you, Apple Bloom, my friend” said Diamond Tiara with devilish smile. “Or should I said, blank flank?”
“NOO!”
Apple Bloom bathed in sweat. Her big eyes opened wide and her mouth gaped. “Huh? What’s that?” said Apple Bloom while instinctively looked her two front hooves. Checked. She then looked around.
No horde of bulls. No Dash, Pinkie, Twilight, Fluttershy, either Rarity. No Big Mac. No Granny Smith. No Apples Family. No Spike. No, err, talking Winona.
No Apple Jack.
No Diamond Tiara.
She was alone, sat in somepony bed in somepony’s room. There were quite unique decorations. Colored flasks arranged in woody cupboard. Weird yet beautiful on its way masks hanged on the tree-wall. Sure the somepony who lived here liked those ancient culture much or something
She sighed, knew that she was just had a dream earlier. A nightmare.
Apple Bloom then tried to remember what was happened. There must was something to do with, oh, Diamond Tiara. What was that again? Why she had to do a work with a pony which spent her life to insult her, Scotaloo, and Sweetie Belle? She just remembered she was walk with Diamond Tiara, then chased by timberwolves; but what for?
“Good dawn to you, Apple Bloom. It looks like you were wondering what happened to your room,” a dark, bold, yet charming sound came from door.
“Oh, Zecora! Ah miss you so much!” said Apple Bloom. She hopped and hugged Zecora. Zecora looked at the filly. “I really appreciate that you’re miss me. But it’d be appropriate if you still rest your body,” Zecora returned the hug and lifted Apple Bloom back to the bed.
She then touched Apple Bloom’s forehead, then her muzzle. “I’m glad your temperature had back to normal. It right decision to leave it at magic floral.” Apple Bloom then noticed a nice smell atmosphere and a pot, probably contained flower Zecora talked.
Zecora released the bandage she put in Apple Bloom’s bruised hoof. “Looks fine, but don’t rush to be shine. The mixture had healed the surface wound, but I need to put it again at next round.”
Apple Bloom grinned happily. After all of the troubles, still remembering what the troubles though, she met her. “Can you help me remember something, Zecora? Ah don’t even know why ah ‘m here and-“
Hrrr.
Suddenly a growl broke up the conversation. Apple Bloom jumped to Zecora. “Oh that sounds! Its- its, the timberwolves!” a fragment flashed back to her. She now remembered most part of the chasing.
The growl came back again, but there were of course no timberwolves in Zecora’s room.
Zecora smiled. “I see this timberwolves don’t eat filly, but a hay cereal, maybe?” said Zecora as she rubbed the Apple Bloom’s tummy.
“Oh. Right. It’s me, hehe. No wonder ah woke up this, dawn, you said?” said Apple Bloom embarrassed.
*
Apple Jack walked slowly across Everfree Forest. It was twilight, but Applejack didn’t shut her flashlight off to get a better view. It was possible Apple Bloom stack in bush or something, and Applejack sure didn’t want to miss it.
Diamond Tiara napped peacefully on her back. She was stayed awake entire night. Applejack had some background from Tiara’s story. She knew that Apple Bloom was somewhere in this Everfree Forest. Tiara said that Apple Bloom mentioned a zebra friend; Applejack knew that was Zecora. It was possible Apple Bloom there, but unfortunately she didn’t remember exactly the route.
Two pair of sharp green glowed eyes watched them. They missed a nice prey last night, and didn’t want to miss this anymore.
As Applejack stopped, two hungry timberwolves jumped and ready to tackle her.
*
“Whoa, ah’m stuffed! Thanks a lot, Zecora!”
Zecora took the empty bowls –three bowls, one for her and two for Apple Bloom- and served Apple Bloom a relaxing tea. “Drink this tea whiles it still warm. It can help you, yeah, to be warm,” Zecora chuckled.
Apple Bloom took the drink with her two hooves. “Eww-, a bit bitter ah guess.”
A beautiful orange sunlight went through the window. Zecora then blew her lantern. “A day full of hopes has started it seems. The night has gone and it’s time to live up our dreams,” said Zecora opened the curtain, let the bliss through wholly.
Apple Bloom stretched all of her limbs. “Umm, Zecora. Where are you, ah don’t know, found me?”
“I found you somewhere when I went home in the middle of forest. But it looks like you who have to tell me the rest,” said Zecora took Apple Bloom’s hoof. “But, bath first, story later. Nothing loosens your muscle as good as warm water.”
Apple Bloom then got in to the bucket full of warm good smelly water. “Ah, ou yes,” Apple Bloom moaned in pleasure. Zecora chuckled. “Looks like you dear really love the ribbon; you forget it’s still on.”
“Aw, shucks!” said Apple Bloom. She then put off her big red ribbon; let her red mane dropped straight. “This so nice-“
Zecora took an herbal shampoo she made herself. “Now you keep remain, or your eyes will be in pain,” she then rubbed Apple Bloom’s mane.
“Ah ‘m not a filly,” protested Apple Bloom, but she didn’t move.
Zecora then washed her and brushed her, head to hoof. Sometimes Apple Bloom felt tickles and giggled, and sometimes held in a little of sting when Zecora touched the past-bruised hoof. “Oops, sorry, filly.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “Ya sure really need to make the rhyme, Zecora.”
Zecora just smiled and washed Apple Bloom’s body once more. “Now you may get up, Apple Bloom. Here, rub yourself while I take a mop and broom.”
*
Diamond Tiara just stared at Applejack. She wasn’t just kind and nice, she was strong and brave too. Applejack’s hard hooves weren’t just for the show. The timberwolves get bucked and runaway like a scaredy bunnies. “Y’all got to be kidding me, right? Those teeth made to bite last time ah know. Y’all should just eat a jelly or banana for breakfast!” shouted Applejack to runaway timberwolves. She then turned to Diamond Tiara. “Sorry disturbing your sleep, Diamond Tiara.”
“No, it-it is okay,” said Diamond Tiara.
Applejack crouched again so Diamond Tiara could hop in. “Oh, no, please Applejack. I just want to walk hoof to hoof by yours,” said Diamond Tiara. Applejack didn’t stand immediately. “Ya sure, sugarcube?”
Diamond Tiara just nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.”
“So be it. Just tell if you’re tired of something. Let’s walk then.”
A forest rooster alarmed Everfree Forest creatures to wake up; for most of them are sleep time though since them are nocturnal. “It’s mornin’ already. Ah really hope Apple Bloom was in safe place last night,” said Applejack.
Diamond Tiara looked Aoolejack with sad eyes. “Umm, Applejack? Could I ask something?” Applejack made a smug smile. “Sure ya could.”
“What is Apple Bloom to you?”
Apple Jack stopped. She stared at Diamond Tiara’s eyes, and then smiled weakly. “She’s mah life.”
“Your life, Applejack?”
Applejack chuckled. “Sort of.” She walked again, followed by Diamond Tiara. “What is she to you?”
“I-I’m sorry but, I-I guess I don’t see her other than a nuisance.”
Applejack tried her best to be calm as possible. “Care to tell?”
“I envy her,” said Diamond Tiara turned her face away.
“What’s for?”
“Everything. I envy her for everything. She’s cute, hopeful, has nice friends, full of adventure every day searching for her cutie mark. Me? I am just a dork that have dork friend that only could echoing me. Please, what’s my cutie mark again? Head accessory, that’s it. I don’t know how I can help my classmate with my tiara, or whether I can do anything with it.”
Applejack glared surprise. “Yes, it’s the truth, Applejack. I mock her every day, along with her friends. I just- I just want to be a part of them. And then- my envious lead to this. I left her here, in danger Everfree Forest. What was my stupid brain thinking-“
“Shus now, Diamond Tiara,” Applejack rubbed Tiara’s mane. “Ya don’t have to blame yerself that much. Y’know what? I did like what you did too when I was a filly.” Diamond Tiara blinked. “You did?”
“Yes Ah did. It was mah very first friend when I come to Ponyville. Ah didn’t know back then it is a terrible mistake for a lil’ filly wanderin’ to town by herself, ha.”
Applejack looked above to try remembering that story. “It was bright noon when I sat in a park, at the edge of Ponyville. Yuck, my apples didn’t sell back then. It was weird; apples are good for everyponies, isn’t it.”
“When Ah started eating those apples –I’m hunger y’know- a purple filly walked slowly to the park. Her eyes soaked like hay, and her mane was, ah don’t know, like wussed by a tornado. She sat at the other side, opposed me, but not really opposed me coz she just looking down rubbed her eyes.”
“Ah hopped and said to her, ‘hey y’all. Want sum apples?’ as Ah hoofed her an apple. She then lifted her head, stared me with her teary eyes. I then said, ‘It is edible, eh’. She took the apple with two hooves and ate it as fast as she can. ‘Don’t be so rush, y’all’ I said to her.”
“While she ate, I took a plenty of water and got mah towel wet. Ah said ‘Don’t move’ then wiped her muzzle. And when she stopped sobbing, we started to play together.”
“Sun sank; I decided to go home, to mah Apples Barn. After all, that’s the only home I had. I then said goodbye to her and walked. And that was when Ah heard a scream.” Diamond Tiara opened her mouth. “What-what was that?”
“I galloped as fast as I can, and looked at she ran from timberwolves. Not as big as we encountered before, though. I didn’t think anythang. I just hopped and bucked them all. It was lucky them go away; I didn’t think my legs were that strong back then.”
Diamond Tiara lifted her brow. “So, how was then your mistake or anything, Applejack? You were kind, brave, and she must think you were her heroine.” Applejack looked below. “She didn’t have home anymore.”
“Huh?”
“That day was when her parents suddenly left away. Ah failed to recognize that she doesn’t have home anymore. Ah failed to feel her sadness. Even when she didn’t answer my question when I asked her name, I don’t mind it at all; my stupid brain told me maybe it just a bit arrogant town filly attitude, instead she was so shocked that she forgot her name. And then, I said goodbye to her, only thought about mahself .”
“I took her home, with me, to my home, which is her home too. A beautiful rainbow –Rainbow Dash’s rainbow- appeared upon mah eyes above as we walked, and there was the day when I had mah ‘apple’ cutie mark; I thought that for those apples that bound the friendship between me and her,” said Applejack with sigh following.
“That was beautiful,” said Diamond Tiara. “Umm, well, what was then you called her after that? You couldn’t say ‘hey’ to her
for all times, right?”
She rubbed Tiara’s mane. “I promised to mahself to keep her from sadness starting from there, at least after she become adult enough. Ha, like Ah could keep my own hooves from danger mahself,” Applejack chuckled. “So-“
There was long silent.
Applejack then stared Tiara’s eyes. “I called her ‘Cheerilee’.”
*
“And there was when ya come, Zecora, ah guess.”
Zecora nodded after she listen Apple Bloom’s animated story. “That was a long story, Apple Bloom. I grate that at least end comes to your doom.”
“It was because of ya, Zecora,” said Apple Bloom. Zecora just smiled. “So what Is your feel now, after through all the sorrow?”
Apple Bloom looked gloomy. “Ah don’t know, Zecora. Ah just- want to trust her. Ah want to believe she can be mah friend after all this time, that we can play together and all. But-but.”
Zecora touched Apple Bloom’s chest. “Let your heart be your guide. It is always choice the path that right.” Apple Bloom stared Zecora in her eyes. “How do ah know?”
“Maybe if you ask her in pony,” Zecora stood. She then went to the door and opened it, “She will tell you her feel too, right filly?”
A worn filly and a blonde mare walked in. “Yes,” said Diamond Tiara.
Apple Bloom’s eyes almost jumped out looked at Diamond Tiara and her lovely sister, Applejack. “Oh gosh! Diamond Tiara! Big sis!” she then hopped from her chair.
Applejack jumped too to Apple Bloom and gave her a big hug. “Oh, Apple Bloom! Ya don’t know how much I worry you!” Her eyes couldn’t contain her tears anymore, but now, happiness tears, not sad ones. Applejack then released her and looked Apple Bloom head to hooves. “Ya ‘re allright, Apple Bloom? You weren’t in hurt or somethang, were you?”
“Nah,” said Apple Bloom. “Zecora treated me with her amazing magical herbal, well that was likely so.”
Applejack turned to Zecora. “I owe you big thanks, Zecora.”
“I was just doing what a friend would do, Applejack. Please don’t talk like you have to do a payback,” said Zecora. Applejack chuckled. “If you say so.”
Diamond Tiara approached Apple Bloom. “Hey,” said Tiara. “About that last night, I- I-“ “Sush now, Diamond Tiara,” said Apple Bloom, hugged Diamond Tiara.. “’s okay. Ah don’t blame you at all. What’s matter is future, not the past, right friend?”
Diamond Tiara then closed her eyes. “Yes, that’s right, friend.”
Applejack broke the icy atmosphere. “Yeehaw! It goes well after all. Why don’t we go to the barn and celebrate this new sweet friendship? Come on Zecora. At least we have to bring you the kindness of Apples family too!”
*
“So, this is a goodbye then? And it right after we could be a true friend.” Applejack rubbed her sister’s mane. “Don’t be silly. You gals could meet tomorrow at school right?”
Diamond Tiara smiled. “I can’t wait until tomorrow too, Apple Bloom!”
“Yeah! And tomorrow, you can come to cutie mark crusaders club’s tree house! Well ah know that you already had that cutie mark,” said Apple Bloom.
“Of course I will come,” said Diamond Tiara.
“Keep the chat for tomorrow then, fillies! Your parents must be worry too of you, right Tiara. Ah don’t want to see your parents galloping Ponyville to looking for you,” said Applejack.
“See ya tomorrow, Diamond Tiara!” The Apples then turned and walked home.
“See you tomorrow,” whispered Diamond Tiara. “friend.”
Diamond Tiara then walked in to her house. “I’m home!” she shouted.
Tiaras were one of richest family in Ponyville. They moved from Canterlot to Ponyville when Tiara’s mother was pregnant. They hoped that Diamond Tiara will grow to a nice and kind pony along with Ponyville atmosphere. Tiaras then built a house there, but their business kept in Canterlot; Diamond Tiara’s father went to Canterlot from Wednesday to Friday to check the workers.
But now it weren’t like those normal days. There was something weird, everything actually. First, the house was dark. They didn’t turn on the lamp, despite that sun was already set. Everything were turn off, like a day when Ponyville electric shut down.
And second.
“Welcome back, Diamond Tiara.”
A pair of mare and colt greeted Diamond Tiara with plain voice. They were Tiara’s parent.
With dark green glowing eyes.
“Yes, Ma. Pa. Diamond Tiara is home,” said Diamond Tiara. She then put her saddlebags in sofa.
“Dinner ready in five minutes,” said her mother. “Oh, my sweet mother. If you like it, please bring it to my room. I feel like so exhausted for everything,” said Diamon Tiara.
Her mother then smiled. “Yes, then.”
Diamond Tiara walked upstairs. She hummed while do it, “an Apple song”, the song sung back then in Apple Family’s Barn. “The tone is nice,” she whispered while still humming.
She then opened her door and walked to her dark room. It was a “little princess” room; with a frilly bed, classy mirror, and a filly.
A scared looking filly bounded in chair.
It was the third.
“I’m home, Diamond Tiara,” said her when suddenly a dark green aura glowing from her body unleashes the true form of grinning evil creature inside.
=====chapter 2 An Apple and A Tiara by applebloomfan=====
