To Earn One's Loveby MattricoleChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 7Chapter 6EpilogueChapter 1The smell of ash and fire was the only thing Apple Bloom could smell that fateful night. Her body shivering uncontrollably as she could do nothing but stare as ponies all around her failed to put out the flames engulfing the town. Screams of children trapped in buildings rang in her ears, calling out for their mothers who could do nothing but gaze as their children burned alive, crying at the sounds of agony and pain. The pegasi brought with them rain clouds and attempted to put out the flames. Sadly the flames spread faster than they could pour, unrelenting in their quest for destruction. By the time they rounded up the amount of clouds they would need to put out the fire, Ponyville was already completely decimated. In the center of town there was one pony who did not cry out in agony. One pony who made no attempt at helping others. One pony who simply laughed at the destruction before her. She was the one who caused this. “Why?” Apple Bloom whimpered, her shoulders trembling as she resisted the urge to cry. “Why would ya do this, Diamond Tiara?!” Diamond Tiara, however, did not answer. She continued to laugh, as if oblivious to her surroundings. “Why? Answer me, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom roared as she attempted to tackle the mad pony. “She cannot hear you, my little pony.” And with that, everything around Apple Bloom vanished, leaving her surrounded by nothingness. “W-what?” Apple Bloom asked herself, turning around in circles and finding nothing. “I am here, Apple Bloom,” a voice from behind said, causing her to quickly turn. Before her stood what appeared to be a pony, covered in what appeared to be a cloak. “I have come to warn you of the dangers Ponyville may experience.” “What? Dangers?! Ya mean this is all a dream?” Apple Bloom asked, receiving a nod. “But all this will happen?” “No, Apple Bloom. It may happen,” he replied, causing Apple Bloom to tilt her head in confusion. “You see, there are two possible futures for Ponyville, and you alone will decide its fate!” he shouted as he pointed a hoof at Apple Bloom, causing her to jump back with a yelp. “W-what do ya mean it’s mah decisions?!” she screamed back, shaking her head in disbelief. “There’s no way ah would ever do that to Ponyville!” “Ah, that is where you are wrong,” he replied calmly. “You would never burn Ponyville down to the ground directly, but the decisions you make will determine its fate.” “M-mah decisions?” Apple Bloom whispered, looking at the ground in disbelief. What did he mean by that? “Tell me, Apple Bloom, was there a pony you saw in your vision? Somepony you distinctly saw?” the stallion asked. After a few seconds of thinking Apple Bloom gasped in realization. It couldn’t be! “Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom shouted with a snarl. “She’s responsible fer all this!” Apple Bloom declared with a nod. Though she never would have thought Diamond Tiara would do something so horrible, her vision clearly told her differently. She was evil incarnate, no question about it. “You do not listen well, do you?” the stallion asked with a sigh, causing Apple Bloom to glare at him in annoyance. “What? Diamond Tiara was the one who set Ponyville on fire, right? So that must mean she’s at fault!” she concluded, receiving a shake of the head from the stallion. “Remember, Apple Bloom, that I said you are indirectly responsible? Why do you think that is?” he asked, waiting a few seconds for a reply. Hearing none, he decided to continue. “The decisions you make will influence one of two things. If you decide to do nothing, then Ponyville will burn to the ground, killing many. Diamond Tiara will become the harbinger of destruction, and will become the cause of centuries of pain and suffering!” “Centuries?!” Apple Bloom gasped, unable to stop herself from shivering in fear. Could Diamond Tiara really be that dangerous? The worst thing she has ever done was make fun of Scootaloo’s wings! And that hardly qualifies as a “harbinger of destruction” in her opinion. “But there is a way for Diamond Tiara to be the complete opposite,” the stallion said, catching her attention. “Complete...opposite?” Apple Bloom repeated, unable to understand what he meant. “Should you do as I say, not only will Diamond Tiara benefit Ponyville, but all of Equestria as well! Equestria will enter a golden age of peace and prosperity, unlike ever seen before! Conflict between the warring countries will all but cease, and the entire world will enter into a millennium of uninterrupted peace! And it will be all thanks to Diamond Tiara’s work.” What he was saying now shocked Apple Bloom to her core. It made no sense! First she was the harbinger of destruction, now she’s the cause of a millenium of peace?! “Th-this is making no sense!” Apple Bloom shouted in anger. “One minute yer saying she’s evil, the next yer saying she’s good! Make up yer mind!” “It is not my mind that needs to be made up, Apple Bloom! It is yours. Remember what I said?” he asked gently. “...Ah’m the one responsible fer her choice?” Apple Bloom asked, more to herself than to the stallion before her. “Yes, you only need to do one thing to ensure Equestria’s Millenium old golden age.” “And what is it ah gotta do?” Apple Bloom asked slightly annoyed. Couldn’t he just tell her already?! “You must...WIN THE HEART OF DIAMOND TIARA!” “...” Minutes passed as Apple Bloom simply stared at the stallion, unable to process what he was saying. “Say what?” “Apple Bloom, if you were to win the heart of Diamond Tiara, you would undoubtedly cleanse her heart of all evil and cause a change like no other! She will become a pure-hearted individual, and Ponyville will be saved,” he said with confidence. “Y-ya sure about that?” There was no way he was right! How would she even go about winning another mare’s heart?! It just made no sense! “When you wake up, on your desk will be a apple with a blemish. That blemish will resemble a diamond tiara. If you see this apple when you wake up, you will know I speak nothing but the truth.” And with that, she woke up. “Wha?! Apple?! But why would ah have an apple on mah desk?!” she asked nopony. Looking around, she was indeed awake. Looking out the window, she saw Ponyville perfectly intact. “So...it really was a dream!” she laughed to herself. After all, it was impossible for Diamond Tiara to… There it was...just like the stallion had said! There upon her desk laid a apple! A juicy, red apple! “It can’t be!” Apple Bloom shouted as she ran to her desk, she hadn’t laid that there! Picking the apple up, there indeed was a slight blemish upon it’s near-perfect skin. And as she looked closely, she could tell it resembled an object that she was quite familiar with. “A diamond tiara?!” Apple Bloom shouted in shock. The stallion was right! Here was all the proof she needed, for there was no way a dream could be so spot on. “If this is true, then that must mean Ponyville’s future is confirmed too!” With a newfound determination, Apple Bloom grabbed her bag and got ready for school. But first she would make a quick stop to Rarity’s house. After all, she had a mare to win over, and she needed all the help she could get. Watching Apple Bloom from afar, Discord chuckled to himself, trying his best not to alert others to his presence. “I can’t believe it! That was almost too easy!” he laughed to himself, wiping away a stray tear. It was a good thing Luna wasn’t around. he wouldn’t want her knowing he was manipulating ponies’ dreams for entertainment. As he watched Apple Bloom quickly run out of her house, obviously heading towards Rarity’s, there was only one thing going through his mind as he silently followed her. This is going to be fun! Chapter 2It didn’t take Apple Bloom long to get to Carousel Boutique. Thankfully working on a farm helped build up her stamina, so she was able to jog the whole way there. She looked at the nearby clock tower and found she had plenty of time to talk to Rarity and not be late for school. “Well, ah guess it’s now or never,” Apple Bloom muttered as she entered into the boutique, a ringing bell announcing her arrival. “Hello! And welcome to Carousel Boutique!” Rarity said as she turned around to face Apple Bloom. “Oh? Apple Bloom, how good to see you! I’m terribly sorry, but Sweetie Belle isn’t here.” “Oh, ah’m not here fer Sweetie Belle. Ah wanted ta talk to ya,” Apple Bloom replied, causing Rarity to raise an eyebrow in mild surprise. “Really? Well, what do you need to talk about?” “Well, ah was just wondering, how do ah win a mare’s heart?” Apple Bloom asked, causing Rarity to blush. After a few seconds of silence, Apple Bloom finally realized what she said and flushed madly. That sounded a lot better in mah head. “Oh...I see, well this does answer quite a lot,” Rarity muttered, putting a hoof to her mouth in thought. “M--maybe this isn’t such a good idea. Ah’m just gonna leave!” Apple Bloom said with nervous laugh, slowly backing away towards the door. “Ah ah ah ah!” Rarity protested as she held the door closed with her magic. “Now, Apple Bloom, there is no reason for you to be embarrassed, dear!” Rarity said as she gently patted Apple Bloom on the back. “I don’t mind helping you with your...dilemma. In fact, I am quite flattered you came to me!” “R--really?” Apple Bloom asked silently, looking at the floor in embarrassment. “Of course, darling! Now tell me, who is this mare?!” Rarity asked excitedly, causing Apple Bloom to grow fifty shades redder. “A--ah don’t wanna say,” she whimpered, still unable to make eye contact with Rarity. “Oh? Well, can you at least tell me what she’s like? I can’t very well help you if you don’t tell me about her, darling!” Rarity pried, giving Apple Bloom a gently squeeze. After a moment or two, Apple Bloom looked up towards Rarity and nodded. “She’s a bit of a snob, and she really likes to make fun of mah accent!” “...Oh?” Rarity asked, unable to really comprehend what Apple Bloom was saying. If she was so mean, why did Apple Bloom like her? “And she’s constantly causing me and mah friends trouble, and she’s really arrogant too! Ah swear the only time she’s happy is when ah’m miserable!” Apple Bloom said with a snort. “Oh? Then why do you...oh. OH!” Rarity shouted in shock. It couldn’t be what she thought...but it was the only way she could explain it. Seems Applejack’s dear sister is a bit of a...masochist, she thought with a blush. It did explain why all her crusading ideas ultimately brought bodily harm to her, but to think she actually enjoyed the pain... she just couldn’t comprehend it! “Why do ah what, Rarity?” Apple Bloom asked with a tilt of her head, bringing Rarity out of her stupor. “Oh, pardon me, Apple Bloom,” Rarity said with a chuckle. Clearing her throat and trying to keep her cool, Rarity thought for a moment. “Well, it seems to me the best way to win this little filly’s heart is simply be nice to her!” Rarity said with a smile. “Huh? Be nice?” Apple Bloom asked with a raised eyebrow. “What do ya mean?” “Compliment her, of course!” Rarity said, resisting the urge to slap her forehead. “Tell her what you like about her! Tell her she’s pretty! Give her flowers!” Rarity listed as Apple Bloom nodded her head in understanding. “Tell me, Apple Bloom, is she shy? A tomcolt? Nerdy? A lady--” “Ooh, ooh, that one!” Apple Bloom shouted as she pointed her hoof at Rarity. “She’s a lady...ah think?” Apple Bloom asked as she scratched her head. Was Diamond Tiara a lady? Well, at the very least she claims to be a lady. “Ah, so she’s a lady,” Rarity said with a smirk. “Then this is what you do: act like a gentlecolt!” “A gentlecolt?” Apple Bloom gagged, causing Rarity to frown. “Ah don’t wanna be a colt! Ah’m a mare!” You don’t act like one Rarity thought to herself. “Not literally, Apple Bloom! Let’s say she’s about to go through a door, instead of having her open the door, open it for her. When she’s about to sit down, pull her seat out for her. Be kind to her, be gentle, treat her like a princess!” Rarity squealed in delight. Ah, what she wouldn’t do for somepony like that! “Huh? So as long as ah do that, Diamond Tiara will fall in love with me?” Apple Bloom asked as she scratched her chin in thought. “Well, it’s not a guarantee but…” It took several seconds for what Apple Bloom said to register in Rarity’s mind. “Uh, did you say Diamond Tiara?” Rarity asked, scratching her ears in disbelief. There was no way she heard that right! “Uh...well, ah gotta go, bye!” Apple Bloom shouted as she quickly ran outside “Well...can’t say I saw that coming,” Rarity muttered as she closed her door and entered the kitchen. Poor Apple Bloom, she doesn’t stand a chance, she thought sadly as she poured herself a cup of tea. “Ugh, that was embarrassing!” Apple Bloom growled as she slapped herself in the face. Now Rarity knew whose heart she was trying to win! And knowing her, she would undoubtedly tell Applejack! That’s a months worth of teasing just waiting to happen. “Still, at least ah know what to do,” Apple Bloom muttered to herself. All she had to do was be a gentlecolt, and then Diamond Tiara’s heart would be hers, and with it, a millenium of peace for Equestria. But what could ah do to make mahself more of a gentlecolt? she thought to herself as she looked around town. It was at that she saw a beam of light from the heavens, glistening against the glass of a nearby shop. “What the?” Apple Bloom muttered as she walked towards the beam of light, and spotted where it landed on. Before her was something rare, something very few stallions had, something that even she couldn’t take her eyes off of. “Ah think I know exactly how ah’m gonna be a gentlecolt,” she whispered with a smirk as she continued to gaze at the wonderful item. She couldn’t help but laugh silently, thoughts of Diamond instantly falling for her running through her head. There was no way Diamond Tiara could resist her brand new curly moustache. Chapter 3“Hey, Silver Spoon, after school’s over you wanna go to Carousel Boutique?” Diamond Tiara asked as she and Silver Spoon sat on the swings out of boredom. “I hear Rarity has a great line of dresses for fillies, it’s going to be totally great!” “Yeah! We can make ourselves look cuter than usual!” Silver Spoon giggled, loving the thought of a brand new dress. “I just hope those stupid Cutie Mark Crusaders aren’t there.” “I know, right?! Those lamekins ruin everything!” Diamond Tiara replied as she got up from her swing and began walking towards the school. “Hopefully they aren’t around, I don’t want them ruining my brand new-” “Hello, Diamond Tiara,” said an awfully familiar voice from behind, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Speaking of lamekins, what do you want Apple…” Diamond Tiara was unable to finish her sentence, gawking at Apple Bloom who stood before her, stroking something on her face. “...What are you-” “Do ya like it, Diamond Tiara?” Apple Bloom said lowly, in an almost...sultry voice? What in the name of Celestia is she doing? Diamond Tiara thought to herself, unable to voice her displeasure. She knew Apple Bloom often did stupid things, but this?! This was beyond stupid! “Ah see ya’re speechless, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said as she walked up to Diamond Tiara, stopping when she was only mere inches away. “Would ya like to touch it, perhaps?” Gagging, Diamond Tiara looked beyond Apple Bloom, silently begging Silver Spoon to save her from this...whatever this was. “CAN’T...BREATHE!” Silver Spoon laughed, falling off her swing and kicking the ground repeatedly. Looks like I’m on my own Diamond Tiara thought ruefully. “Apple Bloom, I-” She was interrupted by the school bell ringing loudly, officially starting the school day. Sighing in relief, Diamond Tiara quickly turned around and walked away from Apple Bloom, deciding it best to simply ignore the apple farmer. Reaching for the door, Apple Bloom quickly rushed in front of her. “Allow me,” Apple Bloom said, opening the door for her with a smirk, her eyebrows dancing up and down repeatedly. “...Thanks?” Diamond Tiara managed to mutter, and quickly walked inside. Behind her, Apple Bloom snickered silently. Wow, looks like winning Diamond’s heart is going to be a lot easier than ah thought it would be! she thought happily as she quickly followed a flustered Diamond Tiara. After reaching class Diamond quickly walked over to her seat, only to be once again blocked by Apple Bloom. “Allow me, mah lady!” Apple Bloom whispered as she pulled Diamond Tiara’s chair out for her. “Th-thanks,” Diamond Tiara mumbled and quickly sat in her seat. Okay, what is going on?! she asked herself, resisting the urge to slam her face into her desk. Why is Apple Bloom acting so strange?! Why is she being nice?! What in the world is with that ugly rat on her face?! Did she finally decide to not only act like a loser, but dress as one too? “It’s mah pleasure, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said as her eyebrows once again danced up and down, and she slowly backed away into her own chair. Needless to say Diamond Tiara was pretty creeped out by this point. Maybe Apple Bloom contracted some deadly disease? Diamond thought with a shrug. Whatever, she might as well just ignore it for now. Not like Apple Bloom was going to pester her all day. “A pretty rose fer the pretty lady,” Apple Bloom said as she pulled Diamond Tiara’s hair back, and gently tucked a single rose (obviously fake) behind her ear. Celestia help me! Diamond Tiara prayed as she resisted the urge to punch Apple Bloom. It was going to be a long day. Finally, after what felt like forever, the bell for lunch rang loudly, causing the children to happily get up from their seats. “Allow me, mah lady,” Apple Bloom offered her hoof to Diamond Tiara. “...Are you seriously going to be doing this all day?” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she accepted Apple Bloom’s hoof, who gently helped her from her seat. “But of course, ah am a gentlecolt,” Apple Bloom said with a smirk, causing her rat-like thing to lift abnormally, increasing her creepiness level easily by twenty percent. “...You’re a mare,” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she began her walk to the cafeteria, followed by Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon. “Does that mean ah can’t treat a lady of yer caliber with respect? Ha! Ah laugh at the absurdity!” Apple Bloom haughtily said, slightly impressing Diamond Tiara. Gotta admit, she’s got me there she thought with mild distaste. A mare like her really should be treated with the utmost respect! ...Even if the one giving the respect was incredibly creepy. “I think it’s hilarious,” Silver Spoon whispered, giggling behind the two of them causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “No one asked you, Silver Spoon,” Diamond grumbled as the three finally made it to the cafeteria. “Alright, Silver Spoon go find us a seat, I’ll get the-” “No, mah lady!” Apple Bloom shouted, stroking her moustache gently. “Ah will git yer meals, as a gentlecolt it’s mah responsibility.” Oh Celestia, that moustache is incredibly creepy, Diamond Tiara thought with a shiver and simply nodded. She hadn’t even bothered telling Apple Bloom what she wanted. “Pfft, this is totally the best day ever!” Silver Spoon snickered, causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “Do you find something funny, Silver Spoon?” Diamond Tiara asked, following Silver Spoon to a table for three. “Oh come on, DT! Don’t you think it’s hilarious how Apple Bloom is totally hitting on you?” Silver Spoon giggled, causing Diamond Tiara to blush. “W-what are you talking about?! She’s not hitting on me!” Diamond Tiara growled, causing Silver Spoon to look up in surprise. “Seriously? You haven’t noticed?” “What do you mean ‘noticed’?” Diamond Tiara asked, tilting her head in confusion. Silver Spoon simply sighed as she took off her glasses and cleaned them with her cloth. “Oh come on, DT! She’s opening doors for you, pulling out your chair for you, and even grabbing your lunch! She even said she was a ‘gentlecolt’!” Silver Spoon listed off, causing Diamond Tiara’s eyes to widen in surprise. “Y-you mean she-” “Ah’m back, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom called as she placed Diamond Tiara’s meal in front of her. Diamond Tiara stared in shock as she looked at her food, it was the most expensive one on the menu! The main dish was a heavenly smelling spinach omelette, with a beautifully crafted tomato salad as a nice side dish. It also came with a bowl of tomato soup that made her mouth water. “...I just got a cheese pizza,” Silver Spoon moped, poking at her slightly burned meal. “W-wow, thanks. Here, let me pay you-” “No no no!” Apple Bloom held up her hoof, preventing Diamond from giving her the bits she owed. “It is mah pleasure to pay fer yer meal, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said tenderly as she laid a hoof over Diamond Tiara’s, causing her to blush. “Th-thanks,” Diamond Tiara said, turning her head away in embarrassment. “W-what did you get yourself?” Diamond Tiara asked, noticing how Apple Bloom had no meal in front of her. “Uh..ah already ate?” Apple Bloom coughed into her hoof and shrugged. “Yup, ah already ate!” “Liar,” Diamond Tiara declared with a glare. “You didn’t eat at all!” “Okay, so ah didn’t eat, ah’ll be fine!” Apple Bloom said rolling her eyes. “After all, a gentlecolt does not need ta eat!” Apple Bloom said with a smirk as she stroked her moustache, earning a glare from Diamond Tiara. “...I’m pretty sure this cheese pizza is cold...yup. It’s cold.” “Listen, Apple Bloom! One: You’re a MARE! Not a colt! A mare! You can’t be a gentlecolt if you’re a mare!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she slammed her hoof on the table. “Now let me give you money!” “No! Ah don’t want yer money!” Apple Bloom yelled back as she stood up. “And ah worked hard fer the bits to buy yer food! Ya’ll should be thanking me!” “Like, did you get this pizza out of the trash...it smells funny.” “I already said thanks! I’m just concerned about you! I’m rich, filthy rich! I don’t need you to pay for my food!” Diamond Tiara snarled, causing Apple Bloom to tilt her head in confusion. “Wait, ah thought yer dad’s name was Filthy Rich? And if that’s yer name why do ya call yerself ‘Diamond Tiara’?” Apple Bloom asked, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Yup, now I’m certain you got this pizza out of the trash,” Silver Spoon said as she spit out a piece of pizza from her mouth. “I’ll be right back, gonna get some nachos!” she said as she walked towards the lunch line. “Ugh, you know, maybe you are a gentlecolt!” Diamond Tiara growled, causing Apple Bloom to smile. You certainly are as dumb as one! she added in her head. “Thank you, now enjoy yer meal, mah lady!” Apple Bloom said as she stroked her moustache in triumph. “...Now you’re just trying to make me mad, aren’t you?” Diamond Tiara asked, once again resisting the urge to hit her. “Here, if you won’t let me pay you back, at least let me share with you,” Diamond Tiara said as she got a spoonful of her omelette and it up for Apple Bloom. “Say ‘aah’.” “What? No way!” Apple Bloom protested as she shook her head. “A gentlecolt does not eat from a ladies pla-” “Open your mouth, now!” “AAH!!” Apple Bloom quickly opened her mouth, and bit down on the omelette quickly. “There, was that so hard?” Diamond Tiara giggled, getting a spoonful of omelette for herself. Huh, I guess this is what they call an ‘indirect kiss’, she thought with a blush. Getting another spoonful of food, only one thought raced through her mind as Apple Bloom took another adorable bite. This would be so much better if she got rid of that stupid moustache. Chapter 4“So, how ‘bout tomorrow, me and ya go out fer a picnic and movie?” Apple Bloom asked as she continued to stroke her moustache, causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “You know, I’m fine with giving you a chance, but this--” she yelled as she quickly ripped Apple Bloom’s moustache off, “--has got to go!” “...Ah super glued that on,” Apple Bloom whimpered with tears in her eyes, rubbing her upper lip gently. “Whatever, it was ugly anyways,” Diamond Tiara said with a shrug. Throwing the moustache to the ground, and stomping on it for good measure, she quickly walked herself home. “Ah thought it was brilliant,” Apple Bloom whimpered as she stared at her fallen moustache. Shrugging off the loss, she silently trotted home, ignoring the sudden cold her face was experiencing. That moustache was pretty warm… “Fiendish dragon from the darkest pits of hades, ah shall slay thee!” Apple Bloom roared as she dodged the flames from the evil black dragon. Sword in mouth and shield on her back, she rushed towards the dragon, Celestia-bent on destroying it. With a leap of faith, she jumped over the dragon, causing it to roar in anger. Blowing it’s flames in her direction, Apple Bloom had no way of dodging. Not that she needed to, of course. “Ah summon thee, LEVIATHAN!” she called out as a torrent of water shaped like a snake blasted into the fire, extinguishing it instantly. The dragon gasped in shock as Apple bloom plummeted towards it, slicing it’s head off with her mighty sword. As she landed, applause from everypony in town rushed into her ears. “Great job, Apple Bloom!” “You’re fabulous!” “No more homework for you!” was just some of the applause she heard. She smiled gently as she looked at the ponies she saved, the unscorched earth, and finally at her flank that started to shimmer. At that moment a cutie mark appeared on her flank, of a sword crossed with a dragons neck. She truly earned her dragon slaying cutie mark this day, if only her friends could see her now… They’ll be so jealous! Apple Bloom, can you hear me? a voice from the darkest void asked, awakening Apple Bloom. “Wha? Who’s there?!” Apple Bloom demanded as she looked at her surroundings. She was shocked to find that there was nothing in front of her, as if she was in a dark cave or….a void! “Yes, Apple Bloom, you are once again dreaming,” said somepony as they instantly appeared before her, it was him! The one that warned her of the future! “Mr Stallion?! What are ya doing here?” Apple Bloom asked with a tilt of her head. “Wait, that was a dream?! Darn, ah thought fer sure that was real…” Apple Bloom pouted as she stared at her flank, once again completely blank. “Yes, I’m sad to say your dragon slaying cutie mark was not real, but admittedly that was a cool dream.” “Heh, thanks!” Apple Bloom said with a blush. “But wait? Why are ya here? Ah thought ah saved Equestria by earning Diamond’s love?” “No, my dear. Equestria is not saved,” the stallion replied with a shake of his head. “Sadly, what you have done was not enough to save Equestria. There is one more thing you must do.” “One more thing?” Apple Bloom asked as she looked at the ground in thought. What is it that she should do? She already earned Diamond Tiara’s love, wasn’t that enough? “So what am ah supposed to do? Buy her a puppy?” “No, Apple Bloom. You’re next step in saving Equestra is to take her hoof in marriage!” the stallion proclaimed, causing Apple Bloom’s jaw to drop. “Marriage?! But we’re too young fer marriage!” Apple Bloom shouted, glaring at the mysterious stallion. “Yes, you two are awfully young. But you must marry, otherwise Equestria is doo-” “We have heard enough of your lies!” “Who’s there?!” Apple Bloom demanded in shock. In that instant a familiar pony appeared before her, glaring at the mysterious stallion. “Princess Luna?!” “Yes, it is I, Princess Luna,” Luna said, smiling at Apple Bloom. “We who trots across the dreams of, Our ponies, helping them overcome their nightmares.” She then turned towards the stallion, who was looking away from the Princess of the Night. “Oh, I should have known better than to come to Apple Bloom two days straight,” he grumbled silently, causing Apple Bloom to glare at him. “What, so was all this a trick?” Apple Bloom asked as she walked up to Princess Luna. “Yes, I’m afraid Discord has tricked you,” Luna said, glaring at the stallion across the room. “You may remove your disguise now!” “Okay, okay, sheesh!” Discord yelled as he appeared in place of the stallion. “Really, Luna, you and your sister are such party poopers!” Discord complained as he crossed his arms with a huff. “It is not kind to trick ponies into relationships they do not wish to be in, Discord,” Luna reprimanded, only eliciting a sigh from Discord. “Oh, come now! What’s so wrong with what I did? Sure, it was a bit of a prank, but look at them now!” Discord said as he appeared behind Apple Bloom and began pinching her cheek. “They’re sharing lunch, and even eating from the same spoon! Isn’t it adorable?” he asked as he let go of Apple Bloom’s cheek, and stared at Luna with glimmering eyes. “Ah did it cause ah thought it would save Equestria,” Apple bloom grumbled as she rubbed her sore cheek. “But now that ah know ya tricked me, ah’m just gonna break it off!” Apple Bloom said as she crossed her hooves in defiance. “You’re going to break up with her?!” Discord gasped as he lurched away from Apple Bloom. “That’s so cruel! I didn’t think you were that kind of pony, Apple Bloom!” he said with a sniffle. “What do ya mean?” Apple Bloom asked as she raised her eyebrow in confusion. Princess Luna simply sighed before her, looking at her sadly, almost as if she was pitying her. “Well, can you imagine how hurt Diamond Tiara is going to be?” Discord asked, causing Apple Bloom to gasp. “I mean, she’s clearly fallen in love with you! And then for you to break up with her the very next day?” Discord said sadly as a flower appeared in his hand, “I don’t think her poor heart could take it!” only to instantly wilt and die. “Ah...ah can’t do it,” Apple Bloom said with trembling lips. “Ah can’t do that to Diamond Tiara, who knows how she would take it!” “Discord,” Luna called out. “Yes?” he asked innocently, as if he hadn’t done anything wrong. “When we get back to Canterlot, we are going to have a long chat!” Luna growled, causing him to flinch. “And as for you, Apple Bloom, we do not know of anyway to help you, but know this, you should not love somepony out of obligation. Tell Diamond Tiara the truth, and deal with the consequences, good or bad.” And with that both Luna and Discord left, allowing Apple Bloom to finally wake up. “Ugh, what am ah gonna do?” Apple Bloom asked herself, sighing as she looked out her window. It was the weekend now, and she didn’t have school that day. She looked at her alarm clock and found it was six in the morning. That meant in three hours she would meet Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle at the club house, and they would go out crusading for most of the day. Then at 4:00 a.m. she would meet up with Diamond Tiara for a picnic and movies and go home. “Maybe Scoots or Sweetie will have an idea of what ah should do?” Apple Bloom said sadly as she got out of bed. Though in the end she already knew what she would do, after all there was no way she could hurt Diamond Tiara. “Wow, that’s some story,” Scootaloo said, rubbing her neck in embarrassment. “Guess that explains why you ditched us to eat with Diamond Tiara!” she said jokingly, but only causing Apple Bloom to flinch. “Y--yeah, sorry ‘bout that,” Apple Bloom said with a small smile, looking away from her two friends. “So...the whole thing between you and Diamond Tiara was some kind of misunderstanding?” Sweetie Belle said sadly, earning a look from her two friends. “That sucks, I thought you two looked so cute together!” Sweetie said with a shrug, causing Scootaloo to groan in embarrassment. “Yeah, that’s not a disturbing though,” Scootaloo mumbled, earning a glare from Sweetie Belle. “Anyways, I would just tell Diamond the truth, no sense in being together just because you don’t want to cause her mild pain.” “Scoots, ah just can’t--” “That’s ridiculous, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle interrupted as she pointed at Scootaloo viciously (well, it would be vicious if it wasn’t Sweetie Belle). “Apple Bloom, you should give your romance with Diamond Tiara a shot! She shared her lunch with you! You broke through her icy heart and saw how kind she could be!” Sweetie Belle pointed out with a smile. “Well, that is true,” Apple Bloom said as she scratched her chin in thought. Diamond Tiara did seem really nice after lunch. “See? And if she acts like that after only a few hours, imagine how she’ll be after a few days! She could be the one, you might as well give it a shot!” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug. Hmm, ah never thought of it like that, doesn’t hurt ta give it a shot, ah guess. “Oh, come on!” Scootaloo shouted with disgust. “She’s been picking on us for months! You should just kick her to the curb and be done with it!” Scootaloo said with a smile. Ah, how she would love to kick Diamond Tiara just once! “And besides, what if she tries to, ugh, kiss you?” Scootaloo said, shivering in fear. “Hmm, ah don’t know?” Apple Bloom replied with a shrug. “Ah don’t see Diamond Tiara as the one to initiate a kiss, she’s too much of a lady fer that. So she’d probably want me ta kiss-” “Apple Bloom, are you seriously considering it?!” Scootaloo shouted in disgust. “Ugh, what if she gives you cooties or something?!” At the mere mention of the word, Scootaloo shivered once again. For her it truly was a terrifying thought. “Ugh, Scootaloo, yer a mare,” Apple Bloom stated, causing Scootaloo to tilt her head in confusion. “Uh, okay? What’s your point?” Scootaloo asked causing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to groan in embarrassment. “Alright, ah made mah decision,” Apple Bloom said, catching the attention of her fellow crusaders. “Ah’m gonna take Diamond Tiara out fer our date, and if it goes well, we’ll go on from there!” Apple Bloom decided with a nod of her head, earning a groan from Scootaloo and a cheer from Sweetie Belle. “You two are going to have such a romantic evening!” Sweetie Belle gushed, her horn fizzing in excitement. “Looks like our trio’s down to two,” Scootaloo said sadly. She did not have a good feeling about this. There was no way Scootaloo was going to let Apple Bloom ruin her life, not without a fight at least. Chapter 5“Howdie, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom called out, waving at Diamond Tiara. “Hello, Apple Bloom, are you ready for our picnic?” Diamond Tiara asked with a smile. “Eeyup, ah got all the things we need!” Apple Bloom said as she opened her picnic basket. “Ah got a blanket, apple juice, apple cider, apple fritters, apple pie, apple-” she was interrupted when Diamond shoved her hoof into her mouth. “Okay, I get it,” Diamond Tiara grunted as she removed her hoof. “Let’s just go to the park already, I’m starving!” Diamond Tiara said as she walked on ahead, causing Apple Bloom to sigh. “Alright, alright,” Apple Bloom muttered as she picked up the picnic basket and followed Diamond Tiara. Eh, ah’m sure it’ll git better, Apple Bloom thought as she followed behind Diamond Tiara, unaware of the two pairs of eyes watching them from the bushes. “You see that, Sweetie?” Scootaloo mumbled as she watched Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom walk away. “Diamond Tiara doesn’t even appreciate what Apple Bloom’s doing for her, the ungrateful jerk.” “What I saw was Diamond Tiara caressing Apple Bloom’s lips, resisting the urge to kiss her,” Sweetie Belle whispered back, causing Scootaloo to groan. “You can’t be serious?” Scootaloo said as she walked out of the bushes and silently followed the pair. “I am serious,” Sweetie Belle said from behind, being extra careful not to yell. The two of them had decided to follow Apple Bloom’s first date, but for completely different reasons. Scootaloo wanted to make sure Apple Bloom would be alright, while Sweetie Belle merely wanted to watch the couple, hoping the two of them would kiss. “Sweetie Belle, you’re insane,” Scootaloo grumbled as they finally made it into the park. “Quick, the bushes!” Scootaloo yelled as she pulled her into the bushes loudly. “Huh, did ya hear that?” Apple Bloom asked as she laid the blanket on the ground. “Eh, it’s probably some foal’s playing hide and seek or something,” Diamond Tiara shrugged as she opened the picnic basket. “Whoa whoa whoa!” Apple Bloom said as she slapped Diamond Tiara’s hoof. “As a gentlecolt, it’s mah responsibility to lay the food on the blanket,” she said with a smile, only to find Diamond Tiara was glaring at her. “That hurt,” Diamond Tiara whispered dangerously. Apple Bloom resisted the urge to run and nervously smiled back. “Heh, sorry,” Apple Bloom mumbled as she scratched the back of her head, beads of sweat pouring down her forehead. After a few seconds of glaring Diamond Tiara simply sat down on the blanket, looking away. “Whatever.” Sighing in relief, Apple Bloom set the food on the blanket, along with knifes, spoons, forks, and plates (all of which decorated with images of apples). Not to far from them, Sweetie Belle was gushing, earning a questioning glance from Scootaloo. “Uh, what are you doing?” Scootaloo asked, unable to understand what Sweetie Belle was gushing about. “Did you see that?” Sweetie Belle asked with a smile, earning a shrug from Scootaloo. “What? You mean the part where Diamond Tiara resisted the urge to kill Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked, causing Sweetie Belle to frown at her. “What? That’s what it looked like to me!” “Poor, sweet, naive Scootaloo, you truly can’t see within the heart of a mare,” Sweetie Belle said, sighing in exasperation. “Apple Bloom was clearly trying to hold hooves with Diamond Tiara, who was far to embarrassed. Even now she’s sitting there with her hooves crossed, berating herself for such a missed opportunity!” Sweetie Belle pointed out. Scootaloo merely scoffed at the thought. “Yeah, sorry Sweetie Belle but I’m pretty sure that’s not what happened,” Scootaloo said as she continued watching the two eat. “Seriously, how in Equestria did you come up with-” “Look!” Sweetie interrupted as she pointed at Diamond Tiara, who was wiping food off of Apple Bloom’s mouth with her hoof. “Apple Bloom, you have got to be more careful!” Diamond Tiara scolded, eating the food she had just wiped off of Apple Bloom. “Seriously, you don’t want a wasp or some other disgusting bug crawling all over your face, do you?” “Heh, guess not, thanks!” Apple Bloom said with a slight blush. “Heh, kinda reminds me of yesterday when we shared food,” Apple Bloom said, causing Diamond Tiara to blush. “Ugh, can you not bring that up? It’s embarrassing!” Diamond Tiara grumbled, causing Apple Bloom to giggle. “Oh my Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo mumbled as she tried to comprehend what just happened. “Wow, that was so cute!” Sweetie Belle gushed. “More like disgusting!” Scootaloo growled, gagging from the sight. “I hope she didn’t give Apple Bloom cooties just now,” Scootaloo said, earning a glare from Sweetie Belle. “Scootaloo, cooties don’t exist,” Sweetie Belle said with a glare, earning a scoff from Scootaloo. “Uh, yes Sweetie, they do-” “THEY DON’T EXIST!” Sweetie Belle shouted, causing Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara to look their way. “Oops.” “Hey, isn’t that your friends?” Diamond Tiara asked. Apple Bloom simply shrugged as she started putting the food away. “Looks like it, ah bet they were spying on us,” Apple Bloom said, causing Diamond Tiara to nod. “Huh, I was actually kind of expecting that, whatever.” And with that the two of them walked off, ignoring the two mares in the bushes. “That was a close one, they almost found out,” Scootaloo whispered as she wiped a bead of sweat off of her forehead. “Be more careful next time, Sweetie!” “Yeah, sorry,” Sweetie Belle whispered, getting out of the bushes and following after Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom. After a while they finally reached the movie theater. “So, what was the movie we’re watching again?” Apple Bloom asked as she looked at the various movie posters. “Seriously?” Diamond Tiara asked with a sigh. “We agreed to watch ‘Pony Ball Z: Battle of the Alicorns’, remember? It’s going to be so good!” Diamond Tiara squealed, causing Apple Bloom to giggle. “Right, sorry! Ah just never imagined ya to be into anime is all,” Apple Bloom said with a smile. “Anyways, ah’ll go git the tickets, ya just wait fer me here, alright?” As soon as Diamond Tiara nodded Apple Bloom went off to pay for their tickets. “Alright, time for plan B!” Scootaloo said to herself as she started to walk up to Diamond Tiara. “Wait, Scoots what are you doing?!” Sweetie Belle yelled out as she watched her friend go up to Diamond Tiara. “Hi, Diamond Tiara!” Scootaloo shouted as she walked up to Diamond Tiara, who turned to her in confusion. “Huh? Oh, you’re still following us?” Diamond Tiara asked, smirking when Scootaloo yelped in surprise. “What?! Follow?! I wasn’t following!” Scootaloo shouted, glaring at Diamond Tiara. After a few seconds she sighed and counted to ten in her head. Calm down, Scoots, you got a job to do! “Yeah, okay! I was following you two,” Scootaloo grumbled, causing Diamond Tiara to smirk. “Well, what do you want? Can’t you see Apple Bloom and I are on a date?” Diamond Tiara said, the smirk not leaving her face causing Scootaloo’s eye to twitch in irritation. “It’s just, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Scootaloo muttered, kicking at the dirt nervously, causing Diamond Tiara to raise her eyebrow in confusion. I’m going to show Apple Bloom exactly why she should stay away from you! “Uh...okay? What is it you want to tell me?” Diamond Tiara asked, not sure if this was a good idea. Is she planning something? she thought cautiously. Scootaloo wasn’t about to go on a tirade about why she hated her, was she? Knowing there was only one way to protect Apple Bloom from getting hurt, Scootaloo Took a deep breath and looked Diamond Tiara straight in the eye. “I love you, Diamond Tiara.” Chapter 7“Ah can’t believe ah lost them!” Apple Bloom yelled at herself as she kicked a nearby pebble. Sure, she could understand Scootaloo outrunning her, but Sweetie Belle? That was just ridiculous! “Where in Ponyville could those two have taken Diamond Tiara?” Apple Bloom asked herself, unable to come up with anything. “Apple Bloom? What are you doing out so late?” Apple Bloom turned towards the voice and found it to be Silver Spoon, carrying a bag. “Oh, hi Silver Spoon,” Apple Bloom greeted sadly. “Ah was just looking fer Sweetie Belle and Scoots.” “Why are you looking for those two?” Silver Spoon asked. “I would have thought you would want to go home after your date with Diamond Tiara.” “Ah was, but those two foalnapped her, now ah need to find them,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug. “Ah don’t really know where they went thou-” “Whoa, hold on a sec!” Silver Spoon yelled as she grabbed Apple Bloom by the shoulders. “Your friends foalnapped Diamond Tiara?!” Silver Spoon yelled as she shooked Apple Bloom back and fourth. “Why didn’t you say that earlier?! Come on we have to save her!” Silver Spoon yelled as she ran off, quickly followed by Apple Bloom. “W--wait! We don’t even know where they are!” Apple Bloom shouted, causing Silver Spoon to stop in her tracks and glare at her. “Seriously? You don’t know?” Silver Spoon asked, eliciting a shrug from Apple Bloom. “Y--you’re kidding, right?!” “Uh...is it obvious where they took her?” Apple Bloom asked, causing Silver Spoon to groan. “Apple Bloom, think! Where’s the one place you and your friends do everything?!” Silver Spoon asked as she tapped the ground impatiantly. Apple Bloom began scratching her chin in thought and shrugged. “The clubhouse?” Apple Bloom asked, and after a few seconds she gasped. “The clubhouse! Ah know where that is!” Apple Bloom shouted with a smile as she ran off in the direction of the clubhouse, earning a groan from Silver Spoon. “Ugh, DT’s right, you are dumb as a colt,” Silver Spoon mumbled as she followed after Apple Bloom, determined to save her best friend. Still, if it’s those two I doubt she’s in much trouble. “Alright, Sweetie Belle, make sure you got that rope reeeally tight, we don’t want her escaping,” Scootaloo said as she watched her friend tie up Diamond Tiara. “And now we play the waiting game,” Scootaloo said with a smirk, rubbing her hooves together victoriously. After a few minutes of waiting, Sweetie Belle yawned and laid down on the floor. “So what are we waiting for, Scoots?” Sweetie Belle asked, drawing circles in the dust that covered the floor, she really needed to remind Apple Bloom to dust the clubhouse later. “Isn’t it obvious, Sweetie?” Scootaloo asked with a smirk, walking around Diamond Tiara as she sat on the chair. “I’m waiting for Diamond Tiara to fall in love with me,” Scootaloo said, earning a confused look from both Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara. “Uh, you do realize you foalnapped me, right?” Diamond Tiara asked, earning a nod from Scootaloo. “Okay...so how do you expect me to fall in love with you?” “Me foalnapping you is the reason you will fall in love with me!” Scootaloo said as she poked Diamond Tiara’s nose. “Come on, haven’t you ever seen Beauty and the Beast?” Scootaloo asked, causing Diamond Tiara to nod her head. “Oh, I get it now!” Sweetie Belle yelled as she slapped her hooves together in realization. “You’re hoping for Diamond Tiara to experience stockholm syndrome!” Sweetie Belle said earning a smile from Scootaloo. “Exactly! At least, I think that’s what it is,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. “Anyways, at any moment Diamond Tiara is going to instantly fall in love with me!” Scootaloo said as she sat down in front of Diamond Tiara, smiling at the captured filly. ...I really hope Apple Bloom finds me soon, Diamond Tiara thought to herself as she stared back at Scootaloo, not knowing what else she could do. “So...are you in love with me yet?” Scootaloo asked, eyes sparkling in anticipation. “No, no I’m not,” Diamond Tiara replied, causing Scootaloo to sigh sadly. “Drat, I thought I had you that time,” Scootaloo said as she went back to staring at Diamond Tiara. “Uh, Scoots, I think you’re doing it wrong,” Sweetie Belle said as she walked up to Scootaloo. “Huh, what do you mean?” Scootaloo asked, not tearing her eyes away from Diamond Tiara. “They say eyes are windows into your soul, so I just gotta keep staring at her until she loves me!” Scootaloo said with a smirk, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Well you can’t just stare at her, we got to do something more drastic!” Sweetie Belle said with a smirk, earning a questioning glance from Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara. “Drastic? What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked as she went back to staring at Diamond Tiara. She really does have pretty eyes, Scootaloo thought to herself, her face blushing slightly at the thought. Maybe after all this is over, she can foalnap me? “Here’s the plan,” Sweetie Belle said as she grabbed a wooden bat. “You beat her with this bat, and eventually she’ll sympathize with you and fall in love!” “Wait, what?” Scootaloo asked as she backed away from Sweetie Belle. “That’s going a bit far, don’t you think?” “I agree with Scootaloo!” Diamond Tiara yelled out as she tried ripping out of her bindings. “That’s excessive violence, I’ll sue you know!” Diamond Tiara shouted, earning a glare from Sweetie Belle. “But it’s such a good idea!” Sweetie said as she went to hoof over the bat to Scootaloo. “Now beat her with the bat so she can fall in love alrea--” she was interrupted as the door to the clubhouse was suddenly ripped open. “What the?” “Diamond Tiara, we’re here to--” Apple Bloom paused as she saw Sweetie with a bat. “Uh, Sweetie Belle, why are ya holding a bat?” “I was going to have Scootaloo beat Diamond Tiara up, so she would fall in love with Scoots,” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug. “That’s...disturbing,” Silver Spoon said as she went to untie Diamond Tiara. Guess she was in more trouble than I thought, Silver Spoon thought as she finally untied Diamond Tiara, earning a quick thank you. “What? It seemed like a good idea!” Sweetie Belle shouted with a glare as she threw the bat to the floor, crossing her hooves in annoyance. “No, Sweetie Belle, just no,” Scootaloo said as she picked up the bat and threw it out the window. The further it was from Sweetie the better. “Hey, Diamond, can I ask you a question?” Scootaloo asked the now untied Diamond Tiara. “Shoot,” Diamond Tiara nodded as she massaged her hooves. Those ropes really digged into her skin. “D--did you fall in love with me?” Scootaloo asked with a small smile. Maybe, just maybe she still had a cha-- “No, Scootaloo, I did not,” Diamond Tiara said as she began walking towards Apple Bloom, crushing Scootaloo’s heart instantly. “Oh...okay,” Scootaloo said as she looked at the floor, ignoring the ache her heart felt at that moment. “Come on, Diamond, ah’ll walk ya home this time.” Apple Bloom wrapped her hoof around Diamond Tiara’s as she lead her out the now broken door. “Ah’m really sorry about those two, they can be a bit…” “No, don’t worry about explaining it, Apple Bloom,” Diamond Tiara said as she laid her head against Apple Bloom’s. “At least I know you’ll always come to save me!” Diamond Tiara said with a blush as the two walked off together. “...What about me?” Silver Spoon muttered, upset Diamond Tiara didn’t even properly thank her. She could have at least given her a hug, instead she just got a simple ‘thank you’. Just slightly annoyed, she followed the two home, after all, she lived right next to Diamond Tiara. Back at the treehouse, Scootaloo was still staring at the floor sadly when Sweetie Belle walked up to her and wrapped a hoof around her shoulder. “Will you be alright, Scoots?” Sweetie Belle asked, earning a nod from the silent Scootaloo. “You really liked her, didn’t you?” “Y--yeah,” Scootaloo sniffed, wiping away tears as thoughts of Diamond Tiara’s eyes fluttered through her mind. Unsure of what to do, Sweetie hugged her friend tightly and smiled. “Look on the brightside, Rainbow Dash is still single,” Sweetie Belle whispered, causing Scootaloo to smile gently. “She is, isn’t she?” Scootaloo said, her tears running dry as she looked out the window with confidence. She may not have gotten Diamond Tiara, but there was still other fish in the sea. Chapter 6“Y--you what?!” Diamond Tiara practically shouted, backing away from Scootaloo. “I said I love you!” Scootaloo said as she walked up to Diamond Tiara, backing her up into a wall. “I can’t help it, your be--beau--ugh, so totally hot! Leave Apple Bloom and be with me!” Scootaloo begged as she lifted Diamond Tiara’s hoof. “Uh, listen, Scootaloo, I’m….flattered, really! It’s just…” Diamond Tiara sighed to herself, unable to really think of a way to get out of this. Guess I’ll just tell her the truth, she thought to herself with a shrug. “I--I’m with Apple Bloom now.” “So?!” Scootaloo shouted, throwing her hooves into the air. “She’s an apple farmer, your looking at a future athlete! Isn’t that way cooler?” Scootaloo asked with a smirk, there was no way Diamond Tiara could deny that. “Yeah, real cool, Scootaloo,” Diamond Tiara mumbled, rolling her eyes in annoyance. “I’m sorry, Scootaloo, but I’m with Apple Bloom. And even though she’s just an apple farmer, I want to give us a chance!” Diamond Tiara said as she gently pushed Scootaloo away. “I’m sorry, really, but I just don’t feel right abandoning Apple Bloom for you.” And with that Diamond Tiara walked away from a shocked Scootaloo. “Howdie, Diamond Tiara, ah got our tickets!” Apple Bloom shouted as she walked up to her date, and spotted Scootaloo. “Hey, what’s Scoots doing here?” Apple Bloom asked, staring between the two. “Oh, you know, she was just being protective over you,” Diamond Tiara said as she walked on ahead. “Alright, ah’ll catch up in a sec,” Apple Bloom said as she walked up to Scootaloo. “Ah saw that Scoots,” Apple Bloom said as she glared at Scootaloo. “S--saw what?” Scootaloo asked, her eyes darting everywhere. “Ya know what,” Apple Bloom growled, glaring at her. “Ah can handle mahself, ah’m not a baby!” And with that Apple Bloom walked away from a glaring Scootaloo. “I was just trying to help!” Scootaloo shouted back, turning away and walking back to Sweetie Belle. “Well, that didn’t end well,” Sweetie Belle said as the two of them walked away from the movie theater. “I’m sorry, Scootaloo, if I knew about how you felt about Diamond I would have--” “I’m not in love with Diamond Tiara!” Scootaloo shouted, causing Sweetie Belle to squeak in surprise. “I just wanted to show Apple Bloom how quickly Diamond would kick her to the curb when somepony better showed up!” Scootaloo growled as she kicked a nearby pebble, sending it off into a nearby wall. After a few seconds of walking in silence, Sweetie Belle finally turned to Scootaloo with a glare. “What do you mean by ‘better’?” Sweetie Belle asked, causing Scootaloo to blush slightly. “B--better by her standards!” Scootaloo quickly said, looking away from her friend. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong with being an apple farmer, but since it’s Diamond Tiara I figured she’d rather date a athlete than a...I’m not making myself look better, am I?” Scootaloo asked. Sweetie Belle merely sighed as she hung her head in embarrassment. “No, Scootaloo, no you’re not.” Sweetie Belle mumbled, earning a glare from Scootaloo. “Well, who cares?!” Scootaloo shouted as she glared into the night sky. “The bottom line is, we need to show Apple Bloom who Diamond Tiara really is!” Scootaloo said as she looked back to her friend. “And you’re going to help me!” “Why would I?” Sweetie Belle asked, earning a smirk from Scootaloo. “Cause on the slim chance I’m wrong, it’ll prove you right!” Scootaloo said, though Sweetie Belle continued to simply stare at her. Sighing in defeat, Scootaloo brought out her trump card. “And we might get our cutie marks in foalnapping?” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS FOALNAPPERS YAY!” Sweetie Belle shouted out, drawing the attention of everypony in town. “...Way to be subtle, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo mumbled, slapping her face in embarrassment. “Ah had a really great time, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom said as the two of them left the movie theater. “And ah really liked the part when they were fighting inside Equestria! It was amazing!” “I know, right?!” Diamond Tiara gushed as she thought back on the amazing fight. “That has got to be the greatest Pony Ball Z movie ever!” After a few minutes of walking, the two made it back to the park. “Anyways, ah gotta go this way,” Apple Bloom said as she pointed towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Ya sure ya don’t want me ta walk ya home?” Apple Bloom asked. Diamond Tiara simply shook her head. “You worry too much, Apple Bloom, I’ll be fine!” Diamond Tiara said as she trotted off into the opposite direction. Apple Bloom simply stared at the retreating back of Diamond Tiara for a few seconds more, until she finally turned around herself and began her walk back home. Ah still can’t believe how much fun today was! Apple Bloom thought with a giggle. Maybe the two of them could work out after all? The only thing she regretted was not walking Diamond Tiara home, but then again it wasn’t that late. After all, what were the chances of anything bad happening...in….Ponyville….. “Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom shouted in despair as she quickly ran in the direction Diamond Tiara went off in. “How could ah be so stupid!” I still can’t believe how amazing today was! Diamond Tiara thought as she trotted back home. The food was amazing, and so was the movie! The only bad thing was Apple Bloom slapping her hoof and Scootaloo being creepy, but all in all it was a great day. Maybe I’ll call her tomorrow? She could come over to my place and play some video- She turned as she heard a couple of bushes rustling to her side. “H--hello?” Diamond Tiara called out, looking at the bushes. “Somepony th--there?” After a few seconds of no response, Diamond Tiara let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and continued onwards. “Heh, guess I’m just hearing thi-” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!” “WHAT THE-” Diamond Tiara was interrupting as she was shoved into a bag quickly, and pushed to the ground. W--WHAT IN THE WORLD IS- “Sweetie Belle, did you really have to yell?” a familiar voice asked from outside the bag. “S--sorry,” she heard Sweetie Belle mumbled, causing her to sigh. ...Of course, at the two familar voices Diamond Tiara instantly relaxed. It was just these two idiots. She didn’t know what they were going to do with her, but knowing them they’d most likely screw it up, and she’ll eventually get away mostly unscathed. “What are ya’ll doing to Diamond Tiara?!” Oh good, it’s Apple Bloom! Diamond Tiara thought happily, at least now- “Quick, Sweetie, run!” Wait, wha- “AAAAAH!” Diamond Tiara screamed as she was dragged away by Scootaloo (or Sweetie Belle, she wasn’t sure). “THAT HURTS, MORONS!” she screamed as loud as she could, trying to rip out of the bag she was in. Diamond Tiara changed her mind, this day sucks! Epilogue“Well, here we are,” Apple Bloom said as the two finally reached the Rich household. “And thanks again, Silver Spoon, couldn’t have done it without ya!” Apple Bloom said, earning a nod from Silver Spoon. “No problem, anything for my best friend!” Silver Spoon said as she hugged Diamond Tiara gently. “Be more careful next time, Sweetie could have really hurt you,” Silver whispered, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Ugh, yes mom,” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she hugged her friend back. “But seriously, thanks, Silver Spoon,” Diamond Tiara said as she let go of her friend. “Well, see you at school monday!” Silver Spoon said as she walked to her own house, wishing to leave the two of them alone. Silence quickly enveloped Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara as they both looked at each other, unsure of what to say. Scratching the back of her neck, Apple Bloom simply smiled at Diamond Tiara, and waved her hoof. “W-well, ah guess ah’d better git going,” Apple Bloom mumbled, as she turned and began walking home. “W--wait, Apple Bloom!” Diamond Tiara called out. “D--don’t you want any kind of…reward?” Diamond Tiara asked, looking away with a blush. “Reward?” Apple Bloom asked as she tilted her head in confusion. “What d’ya mean?” Apple Bloom asked as she continued to stare at a blushing Diamond Tiara. “W--well, come here and I’ll show you,” Diamond Tiara said as she motioned for Apple Bloom to come closer. “Well sure, ah guess,” Apple Bloom chuckled nervously as she walked up to Diamond Tiara. “So, uh, how are ya gonna reward me?” “Hmm, I have an idea,” Diamond Tiara mumbled as she wrapped her hooves around Apple Bloom’s shoulders, her face inching closer as Apple Bloom’s face turned red. “And I think you will like it,” Diamond Tiara whispered as she gently brushed her lips against Apple Bloom’s, before quickly backing away in embarrassment. “W--wait!” Apple Bloom whined as she watched Diamond Tiara walk into her home. “Sorry, Apple Bloom, but if you want more, you’ll have to pick me up tomorrow afternoon for a date!” Diamond Tiara said with a smirk before slamming her door shut, leaving Apple Bloom alone outside. After a few minutes of simply standing there, Apple Bloom sighed and began trotting home. She is such a tease, Apple Bloom thought bitterly. It was going to feel like a long night.
Chapter 1The smell of ash and fire was the only thing Apple Bloom could smell that fateful night. Her body shivering uncontrollably as she could do nothing but stare as ponies all around her failed to put out the flames engulfing the town. Screams of children trapped in buildings rang in her ears, calling out for their mothers who could do nothing but gaze as their children burned alive, crying at the sounds of agony and pain. The pegasi brought with them rain clouds and attempted to put out the flames. Sadly the flames spread faster than they could pour, unrelenting in their quest for destruction. By the time they rounded up the amount of clouds they would need to put out the fire, Ponyville was already completely decimated. In the center of town there was one pony who did not cry out in agony. One pony who made no attempt at helping others. One pony who simply laughed at the destruction before her. She was the one who caused this. “Why?” Apple Bloom whimpered, her shoulders trembling as she resisted the urge to cry. “Why would ya do this, Diamond Tiara?!” Diamond Tiara, however, did not answer. She continued to laugh, as if oblivious to her surroundings. “Why? Answer me, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom roared as she attempted to tackle the mad pony. “She cannot hear you, my little pony.” And with that, everything around Apple Bloom vanished, leaving her surrounded by nothingness. “W-what?” Apple Bloom asked herself, turning around in circles and finding nothing. “I am here, Apple Bloom,” a voice from behind said, causing her to quickly turn. Before her stood what appeared to be a pony, covered in what appeared to be a cloak. “I have come to warn you of the dangers Ponyville may experience.” “What? Dangers?! Ya mean this is all a dream?” Apple Bloom asked, receiving a nod. “But all this will happen?” “No, Apple Bloom. It may happen,” he replied, causing Apple Bloom to tilt her head in confusion. “You see, there are two possible futures for Ponyville, and you alone will decide its fate!” he shouted as he pointed a hoof at Apple Bloom, causing her to jump back with a yelp. “W-what do ya mean it’s mah decisions?!” she screamed back, shaking her head in disbelief. “There’s no way ah would ever do that to Ponyville!” “Ah, that is where you are wrong,” he replied calmly. “You would never burn Ponyville down to the ground directly, but the decisions you make will determine its fate.” “M-mah decisions?” Apple Bloom whispered, looking at the ground in disbelief. What did he mean by that? “Tell me, Apple Bloom, was there a pony you saw in your vision? Somepony you distinctly saw?” the stallion asked. After a few seconds of thinking Apple Bloom gasped in realization. It couldn’t be! “Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom shouted with a snarl. “She’s responsible fer all this!” Apple Bloom declared with a nod. Though she never would have thought Diamond Tiara would do something so horrible, her vision clearly told her differently. She was evil incarnate, no question about it. “You do not listen well, do you?” the stallion asked with a sigh, causing Apple Bloom to glare at him in annoyance. “What? Diamond Tiara was the one who set Ponyville on fire, right? So that must mean she’s at fault!” she concluded, receiving a shake of the head from the stallion. “Remember, Apple Bloom, that I said you are indirectly responsible? Why do you think that is?” he asked, waiting a few seconds for a reply. Hearing none, he decided to continue. “The decisions you make will influence one of two things. If you decide to do nothing, then Ponyville will burn to the ground, killing many. Diamond Tiara will become the harbinger of destruction, and will become the cause of centuries of pain and suffering!” “Centuries?!” Apple Bloom gasped, unable to stop herself from shivering in fear. Could Diamond Tiara really be that dangerous? The worst thing she has ever done was make fun of Scootaloo’s wings! And that hardly qualifies as a “harbinger of destruction” in her opinion. “But there is a way for Diamond Tiara to be the complete opposite,” the stallion said, catching her attention. “Complete...opposite?” Apple Bloom repeated, unable to understand what he meant. “Should you do as I say, not only will Diamond Tiara benefit Ponyville, but all of Equestria as well! Equestria will enter a golden age of peace and prosperity, unlike ever seen before! Conflict between the warring countries will all but cease, and the entire world will enter into a millennium of uninterrupted peace! And it will be all thanks to Diamond Tiara’s work.” What he was saying now shocked Apple Bloom to her core. It made no sense! First she was the harbinger of destruction, now she’s the cause of a millenium of peace?! “Th-this is making no sense!” Apple Bloom shouted in anger. “One minute yer saying she’s evil, the next yer saying she’s good! Make up yer mind!” “It is not my mind that needs to be made up, Apple Bloom! It is yours. Remember what I said?” he asked gently. “...Ah’m the one responsible fer her choice?” Apple Bloom asked, more to herself than to the stallion before her. “Yes, you only need to do one thing to ensure Equestria’s Millenium old golden age.” “And what is it ah gotta do?” Apple Bloom asked slightly annoyed. Couldn’t he just tell her already?! “You must...WIN THE HEART OF DIAMOND TIARA!” “...” Minutes passed as Apple Bloom simply stared at the stallion, unable to process what he was saying. “Say what?” “Apple Bloom, if you were to win the heart of Diamond Tiara, you would undoubtedly cleanse her heart of all evil and cause a change like no other! She will become a pure-hearted individual, and Ponyville will be saved,” he said with confidence. “Y-ya sure about that?” There was no way he was right! How would she even go about winning another mare’s heart?! It just made no sense! “When you wake up, on your desk will be a apple with a blemish. That blemish will resemble a diamond tiara. If you see this apple when you wake up, you will know I speak nothing but the truth.” And with that, she woke up. “Wha?! Apple?! But why would ah have an apple on mah desk?!” she asked nopony. Looking around, she was indeed awake. Looking out the window, she saw Ponyville perfectly intact. “So...it really was a dream!” she laughed to herself. After all, it was impossible for Diamond Tiara to… There it was...just like the stallion had said! There upon her desk laid a apple! A juicy, red apple! “It can’t be!” Apple Bloom shouted as she ran to her desk, she hadn’t laid that there! Picking the apple up, there indeed was a slight blemish upon it’s near-perfect skin. And as she looked closely, she could tell it resembled an object that she was quite familiar with. “A diamond tiara?!” Apple Bloom shouted in shock. The stallion was right! Here was all the proof she needed, for there was no way a dream could be so spot on. “If this is true, then that must mean Ponyville’s future is confirmed too!” With a newfound determination, Apple Bloom grabbed her bag and got ready for school. But first she would make a quick stop to Rarity’s house. After all, she had a mare to win over, and she needed all the help she could get. Watching Apple Bloom from afar, Discord chuckled to himself, trying his best not to alert others to his presence. “I can’t believe it! That was almost too easy!” he laughed to himself, wiping away a stray tear. It was a good thing Luna wasn’t around. he wouldn’t want her knowing he was manipulating ponies’ dreams for entertainment. As he watched Apple Bloom quickly run out of her house, obviously heading towards Rarity’s, there was only one thing going through his mind as he silently followed her. This is going to be fun!
Chapter 2It didn’t take Apple Bloom long to get to Carousel Boutique. Thankfully working on a farm helped build up her stamina, so she was able to jog the whole way there. She looked at the nearby clock tower and found she had plenty of time to talk to Rarity and not be late for school. “Well, ah guess it’s now or never,” Apple Bloom muttered as she entered into the boutique, a ringing bell announcing her arrival. “Hello! And welcome to Carousel Boutique!” Rarity said as she turned around to face Apple Bloom. “Oh? Apple Bloom, how good to see you! I’m terribly sorry, but Sweetie Belle isn’t here.” “Oh, ah’m not here fer Sweetie Belle. Ah wanted ta talk to ya,” Apple Bloom replied, causing Rarity to raise an eyebrow in mild surprise. “Really? Well, what do you need to talk about?” “Well, ah was just wondering, how do ah win a mare’s heart?” Apple Bloom asked, causing Rarity to blush. After a few seconds of silence, Apple Bloom finally realized what she said and flushed madly. That sounded a lot better in mah head. “Oh...I see, well this does answer quite a lot,” Rarity muttered, putting a hoof to her mouth in thought. “M--maybe this isn’t such a good idea. Ah’m just gonna leave!” Apple Bloom said with nervous laugh, slowly backing away towards the door. “Ah ah ah ah!” Rarity protested as she held the door closed with her magic. “Now, Apple Bloom, there is no reason for you to be embarrassed, dear!” Rarity said as she gently patted Apple Bloom on the back. “I don’t mind helping you with your...dilemma. In fact, I am quite flattered you came to me!” “R--really?” Apple Bloom asked silently, looking at the floor in embarrassment. “Of course, darling! Now tell me, who is this mare?!” Rarity asked excitedly, causing Apple Bloom to grow fifty shades redder. “A--ah don’t wanna say,” she whimpered, still unable to make eye contact with Rarity. “Oh? Well, can you at least tell me what she’s like? I can’t very well help you if you don’t tell me about her, darling!” Rarity pried, giving Apple Bloom a gently squeeze. After a moment or two, Apple Bloom looked up towards Rarity and nodded. “She’s a bit of a snob, and she really likes to make fun of mah accent!” “...Oh?” Rarity asked, unable to really comprehend what Apple Bloom was saying. If she was so mean, why did Apple Bloom like her? “And she’s constantly causing me and mah friends trouble, and she’s really arrogant too! Ah swear the only time she’s happy is when ah’m miserable!” Apple Bloom said with a snort. “Oh? Then why do you...oh. OH!” Rarity shouted in shock. It couldn’t be what she thought...but it was the only way she could explain it. Seems Applejack’s dear sister is a bit of a...masochist, she thought with a blush. It did explain why all her crusading ideas ultimately brought bodily harm to her, but to think she actually enjoyed the pain... she just couldn’t comprehend it! “Why do ah what, Rarity?” Apple Bloom asked with a tilt of her head, bringing Rarity out of her stupor. “Oh, pardon me, Apple Bloom,” Rarity said with a chuckle. Clearing her throat and trying to keep her cool, Rarity thought for a moment. “Well, it seems to me the best way to win this little filly’s heart is simply be nice to her!” Rarity said with a smile. “Huh? Be nice?” Apple Bloom asked with a raised eyebrow. “What do ya mean?” “Compliment her, of course!” Rarity said, resisting the urge to slap her forehead. “Tell her what you like about her! Tell her she’s pretty! Give her flowers!” Rarity listed as Apple Bloom nodded her head in understanding. “Tell me, Apple Bloom, is she shy? A tomcolt? Nerdy? A lady--” “Ooh, ooh, that one!” Apple Bloom shouted as she pointed her hoof at Rarity. “She’s a lady...ah think?” Apple Bloom asked as she scratched her head. Was Diamond Tiara a lady? Well, at the very least she claims to be a lady. “Ah, so she’s a lady,” Rarity said with a smirk. “Then this is what you do: act like a gentlecolt!” “A gentlecolt?” Apple Bloom gagged, causing Rarity to frown. “Ah don’t wanna be a colt! Ah’m a mare!” You don’t act like one Rarity thought to herself. “Not literally, Apple Bloom! Let’s say she’s about to go through a door, instead of having her open the door, open it for her. When she’s about to sit down, pull her seat out for her. Be kind to her, be gentle, treat her like a princess!” Rarity squealed in delight. Ah, what she wouldn’t do for somepony like that! “Huh? So as long as ah do that, Diamond Tiara will fall in love with me?” Apple Bloom asked as she scratched her chin in thought. “Well, it’s not a guarantee but…” It took several seconds for what Apple Bloom said to register in Rarity’s mind. “Uh, did you say Diamond Tiara?” Rarity asked, scratching her ears in disbelief. There was no way she heard that right! “Uh...well, ah gotta go, bye!” Apple Bloom shouted as she quickly ran outside “Well...can’t say I saw that coming,” Rarity muttered as she closed her door and entered the kitchen. Poor Apple Bloom, she doesn’t stand a chance, she thought sadly as she poured herself a cup of tea. “Ugh, that was embarrassing!” Apple Bloom growled as she slapped herself in the face. Now Rarity knew whose heart she was trying to win! And knowing her, she would undoubtedly tell Applejack! That’s a months worth of teasing just waiting to happen. “Still, at least ah know what to do,” Apple Bloom muttered to herself. All she had to do was be a gentlecolt, and then Diamond Tiara’s heart would be hers, and with it, a millenium of peace for Equestria. But what could ah do to make mahself more of a gentlecolt? she thought to herself as she looked around town. It was at that she saw a beam of light from the heavens, glistening against the glass of a nearby shop. “What the?” Apple Bloom muttered as she walked towards the beam of light, and spotted where it landed on. Before her was something rare, something very few stallions had, something that even she couldn’t take her eyes off of. “Ah think I know exactly how ah’m gonna be a gentlecolt,” she whispered with a smirk as she continued to gaze at the wonderful item. She couldn’t help but laugh silently, thoughts of Diamond instantly falling for her running through her head. There was no way Diamond Tiara could resist her brand new curly moustache.
Chapter 3“Hey, Silver Spoon, after school’s over you wanna go to Carousel Boutique?” Diamond Tiara asked as she and Silver Spoon sat on the swings out of boredom. “I hear Rarity has a great line of dresses for fillies, it’s going to be totally great!” “Yeah! We can make ourselves look cuter than usual!” Silver Spoon giggled, loving the thought of a brand new dress. “I just hope those stupid Cutie Mark Crusaders aren’t there.” “I know, right?! Those lamekins ruin everything!” Diamond Tiara replied as she got up from her swing and began walking towards the school. “Hopefully they aren’t around, I don’t want them ruining my brand new-” “Hello, Diamond Tiara,” said an awfully familiar voice from behind, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Speaking of lamekins, what do you want Apple…” Diamond Tiara was unable to finish her sentence, gawking at Apple Bloom who stood before her, stroking something on her face. “...What are you-” “Do ya like it, Diamond Tiara?” Apple Bloom said lowly, in an almost...sultry voice? What in the name of Celestia is she doing? Diamond Tiara thought to herself, unable to voice her displeasure. She knew Apple Bloom often did stupid things, but this?! This was beyond stupid! “Ah see ya’re speechless, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said as she walked up to Diamond Tiara, stopping when she was only mere inches away. “Would ya like to touch it, perhaps?” Gagging, Diamond Tiara looked beyond Apple Bloom, silently begging Silver Spoon to save her from this...whatever this was. “CAN’T...BREATHE!” Silver Spoon laughed, falling off her swing and kicking the ground repeatedly. Looks like I’m on my own Diamond Tiara thought ruefully. “Apple Bloom, I-” She was interrupted by the school bell ringing loudly, officially starting the school day. Sighing in relief, Diamond Tiara quickly turned around and walked away from Apple Bloom, deciding it best to simply ignore the apple farmer. Reaching for the door, Apple Bloom quickly rushed in front of her. “Allow me,” Apple Bloom said, opening the door for her with a smirk, her eyebrows dancing up and down repeatedly. “...Thanks?” Diamond Tiara managed to mutter, and quickly walked inside. Behind her, Apple Bloom snickered silently. Wow, looks like winning Diamond’s heart is going to be a lot easier than ah thought it would be! she thought happily as she quickly followed a flustered Diamond Tiara. After reaching class Diamond quickly walked over to her seat, only to be once again blocked by Apple Bloom. “Allow me, mah lady!” Apple Bloom whispered as she pulled Diamond Tiara’s chair out for her. “Th-thanks,” Diamond Tiara mumbled and quickly sat in her seat. Okay, what is going on?! she asked herself, resisting the urge to slam her face into her desk. Why is Apple Bloom acting so strange?! Why is she being nice?! What in the world is with that ugly rat on her face?! Did she finally decide to not only act like a loser, but dress as one too? “It’s mah pleasure, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said as her eyebrows once again danced up and down, and she slowly backed away into her own chair. Needless to say Diamond Tiara was pretty creeped out by this point. Maybe Apple Bloom contracted some deadly disease? Diamond thought with a shrug. Whatever, she might as well just ignore it for now. Not like Apple Bloom was going to pester her all day. “A pretty rose fer the pretty lady,” Apple Bloom said as she pulled Diamond Tiara’s hair back, and gently tucked a single rose (obviously fake) behind her ear. Celestia help me! Diamond Tiara prayed as she resisted the urge to punch Apple Bloom. It was going to be a long day. Finally, after what felt like forever, the bell for lunch rang loudly, causing the children to happily get up from their seats. “Allow me, mah lady,” Apple Bloom offered her hoof to Diamond Tiara. “...Are you seriously going to be doing this all day?” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she accepted Apple Bloom’s hoof, who gently helped her from her seat. “But of course, ah am a gentlecolt,” Apple Bloom said with a smirk, causing her rat-like thing to lift abnormally, increasing her creepiness level easily by twenty percent. “...You’re a mare,” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she began her walk to the cafeteria, followed by Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon. “Does that mean ah can’t treat a lady of yer caliber with respect? Ha! Ah laugh at the absurdity!” Apple Bloom haughtily said, slightly impressing Diamond Tiara. Gotta admit, she’s got me there she thought with mild distaste. A mare like her really should be treated with the utmost respect! ...Even if the one giving the respect was incredibly creepy. “I think it’s hilarious,” Silver Spoon whispered, giggling behind the two of them causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “No one asked you, Silver Spoon,” Diamond grumbled as the three finally made it to the cafeteria. “Alright, Silver Spoon go find us a seat, I’ll get the-” “No, mah lady!” Apple Bloom shouted, stroking her moustache gently. “Ah will git yer meals, as a gentlecolt it’s mah responsibility.” Oh Celestia, that moustache is incredibly creepy, Diamond Tiara thought with a shiver and simply nodded. She hadn’t even bothered telling Apple Bloom what she wanted. “Pfft, this is totally the best day ever!” Silver Spoon snickered, causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “Do you find something funny, Silver Spoon?” Diamond Tiara asked, following Silver Spoon to a table for three. “Oh come on, DT! Don’t you think it’s hilarious how Apple Bloom is totally hitting on you?” Silver Spoon giggled, causing Diamond Tiara to blush. “W-what are you talking about?! She’s not hitting on me!” Diamond Tiara growled, causing Silver Spoon to look up in surprise. “Seriously? You haven’t noticed?” “What do you mean ‘noticed’?” Diamond Tiara asked, tilting her head in confusion. Silver Spoon simply sighed as she took off her glasses and cleaned them with her cloth. “Oh come on, DT! She’s opening doors for you, pulling out your chair for you, and even grabbing your lunch! She even said she was a ‘gentlecolt’!” Silver Spoon listed off, causing Diamond Tiara’s eyes to widen in surprise. “Y-you mean she-” “Ah’m back, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom called as she placed Diamond Tiara’s meal in front of her. Diamond Tiara stared in shock as she looked at her food, it was the most expensive one on the menu! The main dish was a heavenly smelling spinach omelette, with a beautifully crafted tomato salad as a nice side dish. It also came with a bowl of tomato soup that made her mouth water. “...I just got a cheese pizza,” Silver Spoon moped, poking at her slightly burned meal. “W-wow, thanks. Here, let me pay you-” “No no no!” Apple Bloom held up her hoof, preventing Diamond from giving her the bits she owed. “It is mah pleasure to pay fer yer meal, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said tenderly as she laid a hoof over Diamond Tiara’s, causing her to blush. “Th-thanks,” Diamond Tiara said, turning her head away in embarrassment. “W-what did you get yourself?” Diamond Tiara asked, noticing how Apple Bloom had no meal in front of her. “Uh..ah already ate?” Apple Bloom coughed into her hoof and shrugged. “Yup, ah already ate!” “Liar,” Diamond Tiara declared with a glare. “You didn’t eat at all!” “Okay, so ah didn’t eat, ah’ll be fine!” Apple Bloom said rolling her eyes. “After all, a gentlecolt does not need ta eat!” Apple Bloom said with a smirk as she stroked her moustache, earning a glare from Diamond Tiara. “...I’m pretty sure this cheese pizza is cold...yup. It’s cold.” “Listen, Apple Bloom! One: You’re a MARE! Not a colt! A mare! You can’t be a gentlecolt if you’re a mare!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she slammed her hoof on the table. “Now let me give you money!” “No! Ah don’t want yer money!” Apple Bloom yelled back as she stood up. “And ah worked hard fer the bits to buy yer food! Ya’ll should be thanking me!” “Like, did you get this pizza out of the trash...it smells funny.” “I already said thanks! I’m just concerned about you! I’m rich, filthy rich! I don’t need you to pay for my food!” Diamond Tiara snarled, causing Apple Bloom to tilt her head in confusion. “Wait, ah thought yer dad’s name was Filthy Rich? And if that’s yer name why do ya call yerself ‘Diamond Tiara’?” Apple Bloom asked, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Yup, now I’m certain you got this pizza out of the trash,” Silver Spoon said as she spit out a piece of pizza from her mouth. “I’ll be right back, gonna get some nachos!” she said as she walked towards the lunch line. “Ugh, you know, maybe you are a gentlecolt!” Diamond Tiara growled, causing Apple Bloom to smile. You certainly are as dumb as one! she added in her head. “Thank you, now enjoy yer meal, mah lady!” Apple Bloom said as she stroked her moustache in triumph. “...Now you’re just trying to make me mad, aren’t you?” Diamond Tiara asked, once again resisting the urge to hit her. “Here, if you won’t let me pay you back, at least let me share with you,” Diamond Tiara said as she got a spoonful of her omelette and it up for Apple Bloom. “Say ‘aah’.” “What? No way!” Apple Bloom protested as she shook her head. “A gentlecolt does not eat from a ladies pla-” “Open your mouth, now!” “AAH!!” Apple Bloom quickly opened her mouth, and bit down on the omelette quickly. “There, was that so hard?” Diamond Tiara giggled, getting a spoonful of omelette for herself. Huh, I guess this is what they call an ‘indirect kiss’, she thought with a blush. Getting another spoonful of food, only one thought raced through her mind as Apple Bloom took another adorable bite. This would be so much better if she got rid of that stupid moustache.
Chapter 4“So, how ‘bout tomorrow, me and ya go out fer a picnic and movie?” Apple Bloom asked as she continued to stroke her moustache, causing Diamond Tiara to growl. “You know, I’m fine with giving you a chance, but this--” she yelled as she quickly ripped Apple Bloom’s moustache off, “--has got to go!” “...Ah super glued that on,” Apple Bloom whimpered with tears in her eyes, rubbing her upper lip gently. “Whatever, it was ugly anyways,” Diamond Tiara said with a shrug. Throwing the moustache to the ground, and stomping on it for good measure, she quickly walked herself home. “Ah thought it was brilliant,” Apple Bloom whimpered as she stared at her fallen moustache. Shrugging off the loss, she silently trotted home, ignoring the sudden cold her face was experiencing. That moustache was pretty warm… “Fiendish dragon from the darkest pits of hades, ah shall slay thee!” Apple Bloom roared as she dodged the flames from the evil black dragon. Sword in mouth and shield on her back, she rushed towards the dragon, Celestia-bent on destroying it. With a leap of faith, she jumped over the dragon, causing it to roar in anger. Blowing it’s flames in her direction, Apple Bloom had no way of dodging. Not that she needed to, of course. “Ah summon thee, LEVIATHAN!” she called out as a torrent of water shaped like a snake blasted into the fire, extinguishing it instantly. The dragon gasped in shock as Apple bloom plummeted towards it, slicing it’s head off with her mighty sword. As she landed, applause from everypony in town rushed into her ears. “Great job, Apple Bloom!” “You’re fabulous!” “No more homework for you!” was just some of the applause she heard. She smiled gently as she looked at the ponies she saved, the unscorched earth, and finally at her flank that started to shimmer. At that moment a cutie mark appeared on her flank, of a sword crossed with a dragons neck. She truly earned her dragon slaying cutie mark this day, if only her friends could see her now… They’ll be so jealous! Apple Bloom, can you hear me? a voice from the darkest void asked, awakening Apple Bloom. “Wha? Who’s there?!” Apple Bloom demanded as she looked at her surroundings. She was shocked to find that there was nothing in front of her, as if she was in a dark cave or….a void! “Yes, Apple Bloom, you are once again dreaming,” said somepony as they instantly appeared before her, it was him! The one that warned her of the future! “Mr Stallion?! What are ya doing here?” Apple Bloom asked with a tilt of her head. “Wait, that was a dream?! Darn, ah thought fer sure that was real…” Apple Bloom pouted as she stared at her flank, once again completely blank. “Yes, I’m sad to say your dragon slaying cutie mark was not real, but admittedly that was a cool dream.” “Heh, thanks!” Apple Bloom said with a blush. “But wait? Why are ya here? Ah thought ah saved Equestria by earning Diamond’s love?” “No, my dear. Equestria is not saved,” the stallion replied with a shake of his head. “Sadly, what you have done was not enough to save Equestria. There is one more thing you must do.” “One more thing?” Apple Bloom asked as she looked at the ground in thought. What is it that she should do? She already earned Diamond Tiara’s love, wasn’t that enough? “So what am ah supposed to do? Buy her a puppy?” “No, Apple Bloom. You’re next step in saving Equestra is to take her hoof in marriage!” the stallion proclaimed, causing Apple Bloom’s jaw to drop. “Marriage?! But we’re too young fer marriage!” Apple Bloom shouted, glaring at the mysterious stallion. “Yes, you two are awfully young. But you must marry, otherwise Equestria is doo-” “We have heard enough of your lies!” “Who’s there?!” Apple Bloom demanded in shock. In that instant a familiar pony appeared before her, glaring at the mysterious stallion. “Princess Luna?!” “Yes, it is I, Princess Luna,” Luna said, smiling at Apple Bloom. “We who trots across the dreams of, Our ponies, helping them overcome their nightmares.” She then turned towards the stallion, who was looking away from the Princess of the Night. “Oh, I should have known better than to come to Apple Bloom two days straight,” he grumbled silently, causing Apple Bloom to glare at him. “What, so was all this a trick?” Apple Bloom asked as she walked up to Princess Luna. “Yes, I’m afraid Discord has tricked you,” Luna said, glaring at the stallion across the room. “You may remove your disguise now!” “Okay, okay, sheesh!” Discord yelled as he appeared in place of the stallion. “Really, Luna, you and your sister are such party poopers!” Discord complained as he crossed his arms with a huff. “It is not kind to trick ponies into relationships they do not wish to be in, Discord,” Luna reprimanded, only eliciting a sigh from Discord. “Oh, come now! What’s so wrong with what I did? Sure, it was a bit of a prank, but look at them now!” Discord said as he appeared behind Apple Bloom and began pinching her cheek. “They’re sharing lunch, and even eating from the same spoon! Isn’t it adorable?” he asked as he let go of Apple Bloom’s cheek, and stared at Luna with glimmering eyes. “Ah did it cause ah thought it would save Equestria,” Apple bloom grumbled as she rubbed her sore cheek. “But now that ah know ya tricked me, ah’m just gonna break it off!” Apple Bloom said as she crossed her hooves in defiance. “You’re going to break up with her?!” Discord gasped as he lurched away from Apple Bloom. “That’s so cruel! I didn’t think you were that kind of pony, Apple Bloom!” he said with a sniffle. “What do ya mean?” Apple Bloom asked as she raised her eyebrow in confusion. Princess Luna simply sighed before her, looking at her sadly, almost as if she was pitying her. “Well, can you imagine how hurt Diamond Tiara is going to be?” Discord asked, causing Apple Bloom to gasp. “I mean, she’s clearly fallen in love with you! And then for you to break up with her the very next day?” Discord said sadly as a flower appeared in his hand, “I don’t think her poor heart could take it!” only to instantly wilt and die. “Ah...ah can’t do it,” Apple Bloom said with trembling lips. “Ah can’t do that to Diamond Tiara, who knows how she would take it!” “Discord,” Luna called out. “Yes?” he asked innocently, as if he hadn’t done anything wrong. “When we get back to Canterlot, we are going to have a long chat!” Luna growled, causing him to flinch. “And as for you, Apple Bloom, we do not know of anyway to help you, but know this, you should not love somepony out of obligation. Tell Diamond Tiara the truth, and deal with the consequences, good or bad.” And with that both Luna and Discord left, allowing Apple Bloom to finally wake up. “Ugh, what am ah gonna do?” Apple Bloom asked herself, sighing as she looked out her window. It was the weekend now, and she didn’t have school that day. She looked at her alarm clock and found it was six in the morning. That meant in three hours she would meet Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle at the club house, and they would go out crusading for most of the day. Then at 4:00 a.m. she would meet up with Diamond Tiara for a picnic and movies and go home. “Maybe Scoots or Sweetie will have an idea of what ah should do?” Apple Bloom said sadly as she got out of bed. Though in the end she already knew what she would do, after all there was no way she could hurt Diamond Tiara. “Wow, that’s some story,” Scootaloo said, rubbing her neck in embarrassment. “Guess that explains why you ditched us to eat with Diamond Tiara!” she said jokingly, but only causing Apple Bloom to flinch. “Y--yeah, sorry ‘bout that,” Apple Bloom said with a small smile, looking away from her two friends. “So...the whole thing between you and Diamond Tiara was some kind of misunderstanding?” Sweetie Belle said sadly, earning a look from her two friends. “That sucks, I thought you two looked so cute together!” Sweetie said with a shrug, causing Scootaloo to groan in embarrassment. “Yeah, that’s not a disturbing though,” Scootaloo mumbled, earning a glare from Sweetie Belle. “Anyways, I would just tell Diamond the truth, no sense in being together just because you don’t want to cause her mild pain.” “Scoots, ah just can’t--” “That’s ridiculous, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle interrupted as she pointed at Scootaloo viciously (well, it would be vicious if it wasn’t Sweetie Belle). “Apple Bloom, you should give your romance with Diamond Tiara a shot! She shared her lunch with you! You broke through her icy heart and saw how kind she could be!” Sweetie Belle pointed out with a smile. “Well, that is true,” Apple Bloom said as she scratched her chin in thought. Diamond Tiara did seem really nice after lunch. “See? And if she acts like that after only a few hours, imagine how she’ll be after a few days! She could be the one, you might as well give it a shot!” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug. Hmm, ah never thought of it like that, doesn’t hurt ta give it a shot, ah guess. “Oh, come on!” Scootaloo shouted with disgust. “She’s been picking on us for months! You should just kick her to the curb and be done with it!” Scootaloo said with a smile. Ah, how she would love to kick Diamond Tiara just once! “And besides, what if she tries to, ugh, kiss you?” Scootaloo said, shivering in fear. “Hmm, ah don’t know?” Apple Bloom replied with a shrug. “Ah don’t see Diamond Tiara as the one to initiate a kiss, she’s too much of a lady fer that. So she’d probably want me ta kiss-” “Apple Bloom, are you seriously considering it?!” Scootaloo shouted in disgust. “Ugh, what if she gives you cooties or something?!” At the mere mention of the word, Scootaloo shivered once again. For her it truly was a terrifying thought. “Ugh, Scootaloo, yer a mare,” Apple Bloom stated, causing Scootaloo to tilt her head in confusion. “Uh, okay? What’s your point?” Scootaloo asked causing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to groan in embarrassment. “Alright, ah made mah decision,” Apple Bloom said, catching the attention of her fellow crusaders. “Ah’m gonna take Diamond Tiara out fer our date, and if it goes well, we’ll go on from there!” Apple Bloom decided with a nod of her head, earning a groan from Scootaloo and a cheer from Sweetie Belle. “You two are going to have such a romantic evening!” Sweetie Belle gushed, her horn fizzing in excitement. “Looks like our trio’s down to two,” Scootaloo said sadly. She did not have a good feeling about this. There was no way Scootaloo was going to let Apple Bloom ruin her life, not without a fight at least.
Chapter 5“Howdie, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom called out, waving at Diamond Tiara. “Hello, Apple Bloom, are you ready for our picnic?” Diamond Tiara asked with a smile. “Eeyup, ah got all the things we need!” Apple Bloom said as she opened her picnic basket. “Ah got a blanket, apple juice, apple cider, apple fritters, apple pie, apple-” she was interrupted when Diamond shoved her hoof into her mouth. “Okay, I get it,” Diamond Tiara grunted as she removed her hoof. “Let’s just go to the park already, I’m starving!” Diamond Tiara said as she walked on ahead, causing Apple Bloom to sigh. “Alright, alright,” Apple Bloom muttered as she picked up the picnic basket and followed Diamond Tiara. Eh, ah’m sure it’ll git better, Apple Bloom thought as she followed behind Diamond Tiara, unaware of the two pairs of eyes watching them from the bushes. “You see that, Sweetie?” Scootaloo mumbled as she watched Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom walk away. “Diamond Tiara doesn’t even appreciate what Apple Bloom’s doing for her, the ungrateful jerk.” “What I saw was Diamond Tiara caressing Apple Bloom’s lips, resisting the urge to kiss her,” Sweetie Belle whispered back, causing Scootaloo to groan. “You can’t be serious?” Scootaloo said as she walked out of the bushes and silently followed the pair. “I am serious,” Sweetie Belle said from behind, being extra careful not to yell. The two of them had decided to follow Apple Bloom’s first date, but for completely different reasons. Scootaloo wanted to make sure Apple Bloom would be alright, while Sweetie Belle merely wanted to watch the couple, hoping the two of them would kiss. “Sweetie Belle, you’re insane,” Scootaloo grumbled as they finally made it into the park. “Quick, the bushes!” Scootaloo yelled as she pulled her into the bushes loudly. “Huh, did ya hear that?” Apple Bloom asked as she laid the blanket on the ground. “Eh, it’s probably some foal’s playing hide and seek or something,” Diamond Tiara shrugged as she opened the picnic basket. “Whoa whoa whoa!” Apple Bloom said as she slapped Diamond Tiara’s hoof. “As a gentlecolt, it’s mah responsibility to lay the food on the blanket,” she said with a smile, only to find Diamond Tiara was glaring at her. “That hurt,” Diamond Tiara whispered dangerously. Apple Bloom resisted the urge to run and nervously smiled back. “Heh, sorry,” Apple Bloom mumbled as she scratched the back of her head, beads of sweat pouring down her forehead. After a few seconds of glaring Diamond Tiara simply sat down on the blanket, looking away. “Whatever.” Sighing in relief, Apple Bloom set the food on the blanket, along with knifes, spoons, forks, and plates (all of which decorated with images of apples). Not to far from them, Sweetie Belle was gushing, earning a questioning glance from Scootaloo. “Uh, what are you doing?” Scootaloo asked, unable to understand what Sweetie Belle was gushing about. “Did you see that?” Sweetie Belle asked with a smile, earning a shrug from Scootaloo. “What? You mean the part where Diamond Tiara resisted the urge to kill Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked, causing Sweetie Belle to frown at her. “What? That’s what it looked like to me!” “Poor, sweet, naive Scootaloo, you truly can’t see within the heart of a mare,” Sweetie Belle said, sighing in exasperation. “Apple Bloom was clearly trying to hold hooves with Diamond Tiara, who was far to embarrassed. Even now she’s sitting there with her hooves crossed, berating herself for such a missed opportunity!” Sweetie Belle pointed out. Scootaloo merely scoffed at the thought. “Yeah, sorry Sweetie Belle but I’m pretty sure that’s not what happened,” Scootaloo said as she continued watching the two eat. “Seriously, how in Equestria did you come up with-” “Look!” Sweetie interrupted as she pointed at Diamond Tiara, who was wiping food off of Apple Bloom’s mouth with her hoof. “Apple Bloom, you have got to be more careful!” Diamond Tiara scolded, eating the food she had just wiped off of Apple Bloom. “Seriously, you don’t want a wasp or some other disgusting bug crawling all over your face, do you?” “Heh, guess not, thanks!” Apple Bloom said with a slight blush. “Heh, kinda reminds me of yesterday when we shared food,” Apple Bloom said, causing Diamond Tiara to blush. “Ugh, can you not bring that up? It’s embarrassing!” Diamond Tiara grumbled, causing Apple Bloom to giggle. “Oh my Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo mumbled as she tried to comprehend what just happened. “Wow, that was so cute!” Sweetie Belle gushed. “More like disgusting!” Scootaloo growled, gagging from the sight. “I hope she didn’t give Apple Bloom cooties just now,” Scootaloo said, earning a glare from Sweetie Belle. “Scootaloo, cooties don’t exist,” Sweetie Belle said with a glare, earning a scoff from Scootaloo. “Uh, yes Sweetie, they do-” “THEY DON’T EXIST!” Sweetie Belle shouted, causing Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara to look their way. “Oops.” “Hey, isn’t that your friends?” Diamond Tiara asked. Apple Bloom simply shrugged as she started putting the food away. “Looks like it, ah bet they were spying on us,” Apple Bloom said, causing Diamond Tiara to nod. “Huh, I was actually kind of expecting that, whatever.” And with that the two of them walked off, ignoring the two mares in the bushes. “That was a close one, they almost found out,” Scootaloo whispered as she wiped a bead of sweat off of her forehead. “Be more careful next time, Sweetie!” “Yeah, sorry,” Sweetie Belle whispered, getting out of the bushes and following after Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom. After a while they finally reached the movie theater. “So, what was the movie we’re watching again?” Apple Bloom asked as she looked at the various movie posters. “Seriously?” Diamond Tiara asked with a sigh. “We agreed to watch ‘Pony Ball Z: Battle of the Alicorns’, remember? It’s going to be so good!” Diamond Tiara squealed, causing Apple Bloom to giggle. “Right, sorry! Ah just never imagined ya to be into anime is all,” Apple Bloom said with a smile. “Anyways, ah’ll go git the tickets, ya just wait fer me here, alright?” As soon as Diamond Tiara nodded Apple Bloom went off to pay for their tickets. “Alright, time for plan B!” Scootaloo said to herself as she started to walk up to Diamond Tiara. “Wait, Scoots what are you doing?!” Sweetie Belle yelled out as she watched her friend go up to Diamond Tiara. “Hi, Diamond Tiara!” Scootaloo shouted as she walked up to Diamond Tiara, who turned to her in confusion. “Huh? Oh, you’re still following us?” Diamond Tiara asked, smirking when Scootaloo yelped in surprise. “What?! Follow?! I wasn’t following!” Scootaloo shouted, glaring at Diamond Tiara. After a few seconds she sighed and counted to ten in her head. Calm down, Scoots, you got a job to do! “Yeah, okay! I was following you two,” Scootaloo grumbled, causing Diamond Tiara to smirk. “Well, what do you want? Can’t you see Apple Bloom and I are on a date?” Diamond Tiara said, the smirk not leaving her face causing Scootaloo’s eye to twitch in irritation. “It’s just, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Scootaloo muttered, kicking at the dirt nervously, causing Diamond Tiara to raise her eyebrow in confusion. I’m going to show Apple Bloom exactly why she should stay away from you! “Uh...okay? What is it you want to tell me?” Diamond Tiara asked, not sure if this was a good idea. Is she planning something? she thought cautiously. Scootaloo wasn’t about to go on a tirade about why she hated her, was she? Knowing there was only one way to protect Apple Bloom from getting hurt, Scootaloo Took a deep breath and looked Diamond Tiara straight in the eye. “I love you, Diamond Tiara.”
Chapter 7“Ah can’t believe ah lost them!” Apple Bloom yelled at herself as she kicked a nearby pebble. Sure, she could understand Scootaloo outrunning her, but Sweetie Belle? That was just ridiculous! “Where in Ponyville could those two have taken Diamond Tiara?” Apple Bloom asked herself, unable to come up with anything. “Apple Bloom? What are you doing out so late?” Apple Bloom turned towards the voice and found it to be Silver Spoon, carrying a bag. “Oh, hi Silver Spoon,” Apple Bloom greeted sadly. “Ah was just looking fer Sweetie Belle and Scoots.” “Why are you looking for those two?” Silver Spoon asked. “I would have thought you would want to go home after your date with Diamond Tiara.” “Ah was, but those two foalnapped her, now ah need to find them,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug. “Ah don’t really know where they went thou-” “Whoa, hold on a sec!” Silver Spoon yelled as she grabbed Apple Bloom by the shoulders. “Your friends foalnapped Diamond Tiara?!” Silver Spoon yelled as she shooked Apple Bloom back and fourth. “Why didn’t you say that earlier?! Come on we have to save her!” Silver Spoon yelled as she ran off, quickly followed by Apple Bloom. “W--wait! We don’t even know where they are!” Apple Bloom shouted, causing Silver Spoon to stop in her tracks and glare at her. “Seriously? You don’t know?” Silver Spoon asked, eliciting a shrug from Apple Bloom. “Y--you’re kidding, right?!” “Uh...is it obvious where they took her?” Apple Bloom asked, causing Silver Spoon to groan. “Apple Bloom, think! Where’s the one place you and your friends do everything?!” Silver Spoon asked as she tapped the ground impatiantly. Apple Bloom began scratching her chin in thought and shrugged. “The clubhouse?” Apple Bloom asked, and after a few seconds she gasped. “The clubhouse! Ah know where that is!” Apple Bloom shouted with a smile as she ran off in the direction of the clubhouse, earning a groan from Silver Spoon. “Ugh, DT’s right, you are dumb as a colt,” Silver Spoon mumbled as she followed after Apple Bloom, determined to save her best friend. Still, if it’s those two I doubt she’s in much trouble. “Alright, Sweetie Belle, make sure you got that rope reeeally tight, we don’t want her escaping,” Scootaloo said as she watched her friend tie up Diamond Tiara. “And now we play the waiting game,” Scootaloo said with a smirk, rubbing her hooves together victoriously. After a few minutes of waiting, Sweetie Belle yawned and laid down on the floor. “So what are we waiting for, Scoots?” Sweetie Belle asked, drawing circles in the dust that covered the floor, she really needed to remind Apple Bloom to dust the clubhouse later. “Isn’t it obvious, Sweetie?” Scootaloo asked with a smirk, walking around Diamond Tiara as she sat on the chair. “I’m waiting for Diamond Tiara to fall in love with me,” Scootaloo said, earning a confused look from both Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara. “Uh, you do realize you foalnapped me, right?” Diamond Tiara asked, earning a nod from Scootaloo. “Okay...so how do you expect me to fall in love with you?” “Me foalnapping you is the reason you will fall in love with me!” Scootaloo said as she poked Diamond Tiara’s nose. “Come on, haven’t you ever seen Beauty and the Beast?” Scootaloo asked, causing Diamond Tiara to nod her head. “Oh, I get it now!” Sweetie Belle yelled as she slapped her hooves together in realization. “You’re hoping for Diamond Tiara to experience stockholm syndrome!” Sweetie Belle said earning a smile from Scootaloo. “Exactly! At least, I think that’s what it is,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. “Anyways, at any moment Diamond Tiara is going to instantly fall in love with me!” Scootaloo said as she sat down in front of Diamond Tiara, smiling at the captured filly. ...I really hope Apple Bloom finds me soon, Diamond Tiara thought to herself as she stared back at Scootaloo, not knowing what else she could do. “So...are you in love with me yet?” Scootaloo asked, eyes sparkling in anticipation. “No, no I’m not,” Diamond Tiara replied, causing Scootaloo to sigh sadly. “Drat, I thought I had you that time,” Scootaloo said as she went back to staring at Diamond Tiara. “Uh, Scoots, I think you’re doing it wrong,” Sweetie Belle said as she walked up to Scootaloo. “Huh, what do you mean?” Scootaloo asked, not tearing her eyes away from Diamond Tiara. “They say eyes are windows into your soul, so I just gotta keep staring at her until she loves me!” Scootaloo said with a smirk, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Well you can’t just stare at her, we got to do something more drastic!” Sweetie Belle said with a smirk, earning a questioning glance from Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara. “Drastic? What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked as she went back to staring at Diamond Tiara. She really does have pretty eyes, Scootaloo thought to herself, her face blushing slightly at the thought. Maybe after all this is over, she can foalnap me? “Here’s the plan,” Sweetie Belle said as she grabbed a wooden bat. “You beat her with this bat, and eventually she’ll sympathize with you and fall in love!” “Wait, what?” Scootaloo asked as she backed away from Sweetie Belle. “That’s going a bit far, don’t you think?” “I agree with Scootaloo!” Diamond Tiara yelled out as she tried ripping out of her bindings. “That’s excessive violence, I’ll sue you know!” Diamond Tiara shouted, earning a glare from Sweetie Belle. “But it’s such a good idea!” Sweetie said as she went to hoof over the bat to Scootaloo. “Now beat her with the bat so she can fall in love alrea--” she was interrupted as the door to the clubhouse was suddenly ripped open. “What the?” “Diamond Tiara, we’re here to--” Apple Bloom paused as she saw Sweetie with a bat. “Uh, Sweetie Belle, why are ya holding a bat?” “I was going to have Scootaloo beat Diamond Tiara up, so she would fall in love with Scoots,” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug. “That’s...disturbing,” Silver Spoon said as she went to untie Diamond Tiara. Guess she was in more trouble than I thought, Silver Spoon thought as she finally untied Diamond Tiara, earning a quick thank you. “What? It seemed like a good idea!” Sweetie Belle shouted with a glare as she threw the bat to the floor, crossing her hooves in annoyance. “No, Sweetie Belle, just no,” Scootaloo said as she picked up the bat and threw it out the window. The further it was from Sweetie the better. “Hey, Diamond, can I ask you a question?” Scootaloo asked the now untied Diamond Tiara. “Shoot,” Diamond Tiara nodded as she massaged her hooves. Those ropes really digged into her skin. “D--did you fall in love with me?” Scootaloo asked with a small smile. Maybe, just maybe she still had a cha-- “No, Scootaloo, I did not,” Diamond Tiara said as she began walking towards Apple Bloom, crushing Scootaloo’s heart instantly. “Oh...okay,” Scootaloo said as she looked at the floor, ignoring the ache her heart felt at that moment. “Come on, Diamond, ah’ll walk ya home this time.” Apple Bloom wrapped her hoof around Diamond Tiara’s as she lead her out the now broken door. “Ah’m really sorry about those two, they can be a bit…” “No, don’t worry about explaining it, Apple Bloom,” Diamond Tiara said as she laid her head against Apple Bloom’s. “At least I know you’ll always come to save me!” Diamond Tiara said with a blush as the two walked off together. “...What about me?” Silver Spoon muttered, upset Diamond Tiara didn’t even properly thank her. She could have at least given her a hug, instead she just got a simple ‘thank you’. Just slightly annoyed, she followed the two home, after all, she lived right next to Diamond Tiara. Back at the treehouse, Scootaloo was still staring at the floor sadly when Sweetie Belle walked up to her and wrapped a hoof around her shoulder. “Will you be alright, Scoots?” Sweetie Belle asked, earning a nod from the silent Scootaloo. “You really liked her, didn’t you?” “Y--yeah,” Scootaloo sniffed, wiping away tears as thoughts of Diamond Tiara’s eyes fluttered through her mind. Unsure of what to do, Sweetie hugged her friend tightly and smiled. “Look on the brightside, Rainbow Dash is still single,” Sweetie Belle whispered, causing Scootaloo to smile gently. “She is, isn’t she?” Scootaloo said, her tears running dry as she looked out the window with confidence. She may not have gotten Diamond Tiara, but there was still other fish in the sea.
Chapter 6“Y--you what?!” Diamond Tiara practically shouted, backing away from Scootaloo. “I said I love you!” Scootaloo said as she walked up to Diamond Tiara, backing her up into a wall. “I can’t help it, your be--beau--ugh, so totally hot! Leave Apple Bloom and be with me!” Scootaloo begged as she lifted Diamond Tiara’s hoof. “Uh, listen, Scootaloo, I’m….flattered, really! It’s just…” Diamond Tiara sighed to herself, unable to really think of a way to get out of this. Guess I’ll just tell her the truth, she thought to herself with a shrug. “I--I’m with Apple Bloom now.” “So?!” Scootaloo shouted, throwing her hooves into the air. “She’s an apple farmer, your looking at a future athlete! Isn’t that way cooler?” Scootaloo asked with a smirk, there was no way Diamond Tiara could deny that. “Yeah, real cool, Scootaloo,” Diamond Tiara mumbled, rolling her eyes in annoyance. “I’m sorry, Scootaloo, but I’m with Apple Bloom. And even though she’s just an apple farmer, I want to give us a chance!” Diamond Tiara said as she gently pushed Scootaloo away. “I’m sorry, really, but I just don’t feel right abandoning Apple Bloom for you.” And with that Diamond Tiara walked away from a shocked Scootaloo. “Howdie, Diamond Tiara, ah got our tickets!” Apple Bloom shouted as she walked up to her date, and spotted Scootaloo. “Hey, what’s Scoots doing here?” Apple Bloom asked, staring between the two. “Oh, you know, she was just being protective over you,” Diamond Tiara said as she walked on ahead. “Alright, ah’ll catch up in a sec,” Apple Bloom said as she walked up to Scootaloo. “Ah saw that Scoots,” Apple Bloom said as she glared at Scootaloo. “S--saw what?” Scootaloo asked, her eyes darting everywhere. “Ya know what,” Apple Bloom growled, glaring at her. “Ah can handle mahself, ah’m not a baby!” And with that Apple Bloom walked away from a glaring Scootaloo. “I was just trying to help!” Scootaloo shouted back, turning away and walking back to Sweetie Belle. “Well, that didn’t end well,” Sweetie Belle said as the two of them walked away from the movie theater. “I’m sorry, Scootaloo, if I knew about how you felt about Diamond I would have--” “I’m not in love with Diamond Tiara!” Scootaloo shouted, causing Sweetie Belle to squeak in surprise. “I just wanted to show Apple Bloom how quickly Diamond would kick her to the curb when somepony better showed up!” Scootaloo growled as she kicked a nearby pebble, sending it off into a nearby wall. After a few seconds of walking in silence, Sweetie Belle finally turned to Scootaloo with a glare. “What do you mean by ‘better’?” Sweetie Belle asked, causing Scootaloo to blush slightly. “B--better by her standards!” Scootaloo quickly said, looking away from her friend. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong with being an apple farmer, but since it’s Diamond Tiara I figured she’d rather date a athlete than a...I’m not making myself look better, am I?” Scootaloo asked. Sweetie Belle merely sighed as she hung her head in embarrassment. “No, Scootaloo, no you’re not.” Sweetie Belle mumbled, earning a glare from Scootaloo. “Well, who cares?!” Scootaloo shouted as she glared into the night sky. “The bottom line is, we need to show Apple Bloom who Diamond Tiara really is!” Scootaloo said as she looked back to her friend. “And you’re going to help me!” “Why would I?” Sweetie Belle asked, earning a smirk from Scootaloo. “Cause on the slim chance I’m wrong, it’ll prove you right!” Scootaloo said, though Sweetie Belle continued to simply stare at her. Sighing in defeat, Scootaloo brought out her trump card. “And we might get our cutie marks in foalnapping?” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS FOALNAPPERS YAY!” Sweetie Belle shouted out, drawing the attention of everypony in town. “...Way to be subtle, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo mumbled, slapping her face in embarrassment. “Ah had a really great time, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom said as the two of them left the movie theater. “And ah really liked the part when they were fighting inside Equestria! It was amazing!” “I know, right?!” Diamond Tiara gushed as she thought back on the amazing fight. “That has got to be the greatest Pony Ball Z movie ever!” After a few minutes of walking, the two made it back to the park. “Anyways, ah gotta go this way,” Apple Bloom said as she pointed towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Ya sure ya don’t want me ta walk ya home?” Apple Bloom asked. Diamond Tiara simply shook her head. “You worry too much, Apple Bloom, I’ll be fine!” Diamond Tiara said as she trotted off into the opposite direction. Apple Bloom simply stared at the retreating back of Diamond Tiara for a few seconds more, until she finally turned around herself and began her walk back home. Ah still can’t believe how much fun today was! Apple Bloom thought with a giggle. Maybe the two of them could work out after all? The only thing she regretted was not walking Diamond Tiara home, but then again it wasn’t that late. After all, what were the chances of anything bad happening...in….Ponyville….. “Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom shouted in despair as she quickly ran in the direction Diamond Tiara went off in. “How could ah be so stupid!” I still can’t believe how amazing today was! Diamond Tiara thought as she trotted back home. The food was amazing, and so was the movie! The only bad thing was Apple Bloom slapping her hoof and Scootaloo being creepy, but all in all it was a great day. Maybe I’ll call her tomorrow? She could come over to my place and play some video- She turned as she heard a couple of bushes rustling to her side. “H--hello?” Diamond Tiara called out, looking at the bushes. “Somepony th--there?” After a few seconds of no response, Diamond Tiara let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and continued onwards. “Heh, guess I’m just hearing thi-” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!” “WHAT THE-” Diamond Tiara was interrupting as she was shoved into a bag quickly, and pushed to the ground. W--WHAT IN THE WORLD IS- “Sweetie Belle, did you really have to yell?” a familiar voice asked from outside the bag. “S--sorry,” she heard Sweetie Belle mumbled, causing her to sigh. ...Of course, at the two familar voices Diamond Tiara instantly relaxed. It was just these two idiots. She didn’t know what they were going to do with her, but knowing them they’d most likely screw it up, and she’ll eventually get away mostly unscathed. “What are ya’ll doing to Diamond Tiara?!” Oh good, it’s Apple Bloom! Diamond Tiara thought happily, at least now- “Quick, Sweetie, run!” Wait, wha- “AAAAAH!” Diamond Tiara screamed as she was dragged away by Scootaloo (or Sweetie Belle, she wasn’t sure). “THAT HURTS, MORONS!” she screamed as loud as she could, trying to rip out of the bag she was in. Diamond Tiara changed her mind, this day sucks!
Epilogue“Well, here we are,” Apple Bloom said as the two finally reached the Rich household. “And thanks again, Silver Spoon, couldn’t have done it without ya!” Apple Bloom said, earning a nod from Silver Spoon. “No problem, anything for my best friend!” Silver Spoon said as she hugged Diamond Tiara gently. “Be more careful next time, Sweetie could have really hurt you,” Silver whispered, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Ugh, yes mom,” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she hugged her friend back. “But seriously, thanks, Silver Spoon,” Diamond Tiara said as she let go of her friend. “Well, see you at school monday!” Silver Spoon said as she walked to her own house, wishing to leave the two of them alone. Silence quickly enveloped Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara as they both looked at each other, unsure of what to say. Scratching the back of her neck, Apple Bloom simply smiled at Diamond Tiara, and waved her hoof. “W-well, ah guess ah’d better git going,” Apple Bloom mumbled, as she turned and began walking home. “W--wait, Apple Bloom!” Diamond Tiara called out. “D--don’t you want any kind of…reward?” Diamond Tiara asked, looking away with a blush. “Reward?” Apple Bloom asked as she tilted her head in confusion. “What d’ya mean?” Apple Bloom asked as she continued to stare at a blushing Diamond Tiara. “W--well, come here and I’ll show you,” Diamond Tiara said as she motioned for Apple Bloom to come closer. “Well sure, ah guess,” Apple Bloom chuckled nervously as she walked up to Diamond Tiara. “So, uh, how are ya gonna reward me?” “Hmm, I have an idea,” Diamond Tiara mumbled as she wrapped her hooves around Apple Bloom’s shoulders, her face inching closer as Apple Bloom’s face turned red. “And I think you will like it,” Diamond Tiara whispered as she gently brushed her lips against Apple Bloom’s, before quickly backing away in embarrassment. “W--wait!” Apple Bloom whined as she watched Diamond Tiara walk into her home. “Sorry, Apple Bloom, but if you want more, you’ll have to pick me up tomorrow afternoon for a date!” Diamond Tiara said with a smirk before slamming her door shut, leaving Apple Bloom alone outside. After a few minutes of simply standing there, Apple Bloom sighed and began trotting home. She is such a tease, Apple Bloom thought bitterly. It was going to feel like a long night.
