How to be a Parentby MattricoleChaptersClaw Machines and Baseball BatsThe Best Pet EverFamilyEpilogueClaw Machines and Baseball Bats“Scootaloo Maria Rich, you get away from that claw machine this instant!” Diamond Tiara yelled, glaring at her adopted daughter. “But, Mooooom, I really want that Rainbow Dash doll!” Scootaloo whined as she held onto the claw machine as if her life depended on it, though in her mind her life really was on the line. “Scootaloo, darling, you already have enough Rainbow Dash dolls, you don’t need it,” Diamond Tiara said, trying to stay calm so she wouldn’t cause a scene at the market. The last thing she needed was some soccer mom reporting her for verbally abusing Scootaloo again. “But I do need it!” Scootaloo cried, her eyes becoming moist, a tell tale sign she was about to cry. “This Rainbow Dash doll is 20 percent cooler than half of my other ones! And it has life like wings and it has an Equestria Games flag in her mouth! I want it!” Scootaloo screamed as she began banging against the claw machine’s glass. “Alright, fine!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she walked up to Scootaloo and gave her some bits. “Play the stupid claw game, but this is coming out of your allowance, young lady!” Diamond Tiara said, causing Scootaloo to smile. “Alright! Thanks, Mom!” Scootaloo giggled as she put a bit inside the machine. Navigating the claw just above the Rainbow Dash doll, she pressed the lower button, causing the claw to descend and grab onto the doll. “Yes!” Scootaloo yelled in triumph. *plop* The doll quickly fell out of the claw’s grasp, landing on several other Rainbow Dash dolls. Scootaloo stared for several seconds, and Diamond Tiara quickly covered her ears, sighing at the inevitable headache she was to receive. “Moooooooom!” Scootaloo cried, tears pouring down her eyes as she turned to Diamond Tiara. “T-the claw machine chea-ea-eated!” Scootaloo quickly wrapped her hooves around Diamond Tiara, crying into her shoulder. “There, there, Scootaloo,” Diamond said gently as she patted her daughter on the back. “You still have a few bits left, just play a couple of more games!” Diamond Tiara suggested. After another minute of silently sobbing, Scootaloo let go of Diamond Tiara and nodded, turning back to the evil machine. Oh, dear Celestia, please let her win! Diamond Tiara begged, not wanting to listen to her daughter’s whining. Scootaloo was becoming a big baby, and it was all because she was spoiled rotten. “O-okay,” Scootaloo sniffled as she inserted another bit, once again going after the Rainbow Dash doll. “Almost...got...it….” Scootaloo mumbled for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, and groaned when the doll slipped from the claws grasp. “MOOOOOO-” “NO! YOU ARE NOT PLAYING AGAIN!” Diamond Tiara shouted as she ignored her crying daughter. “You wasted exactly two-hundred and thirty five bits. Do you hear me? TWO-HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE BITS!!! That’s enough to buy you a hundred Rainbow Dash toys!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she rubbed her temples in irritation. “B-but I want this one,” Scootaloo sniffled, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Scootaloo, you’ve wasted enough of our money! Do you realize how angry your father is going to be?” Diamond Tiara asked, causing Scootaloo to shake her head. “Ugh, she’s going to be furious! You know how stingy she is!” Scootaloo turned towards the vending machine, gazing sadly at the Rainbow Dash doll. Resisting the urge to cry she silently nodded. “Good, you finally understand,” Diamond Tiara said with a smile and began walking away. “Come on, Scootaloo, I’ll buy you some ice cre-” “Yeah, I understand,” Scootaloo grumbled, causing Diamond Tiara to turn around, annoyed she was interrupted. “I understand... you don’t love me!” Scootaloo cried as she quickly hugged the claw machine. “Scootaloo, you know that’s not true!” Diamond Tiara yelled and attempted to yank Scootaloo away from the claw machine. “I love you very much, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to waste any more money on this stupid claw machine!” “If you love me than you would get me my Rainbow Dash doll no matter what!” Scootaloo argued, glaring at her mother as she held onto the claw machine even tighter than before. “Gah! Fine!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she let go of Scootaloo, who was now glancing at her in shock. “You want the Rainbow Dash doll that badly?! Fine!” Walking away, Diamond Tiara walked over to the store that owned the claw machine. “I want to speak to your manager!” she yelled at a random employee, who nodded in fear. “Uh, yes ma’am!” he replied as he ran into the back of the room. It only took a few seconds until the manager of the store came out. “Yes, lil filly, how may I help you?” he asked with a smile. “I have a question for you, my good sir,” Diamond Tiara said with a smile. “How much would it cost you to fix your claw machine’s broken glass?” “Uh...I don’t know, I’m guessing maybe eighty-five bits?” the manager asked with a shrug, causing Diamond’s smile to widen. “Good, here’s two-hundred for the glass, baseball bat, and Rainbow Dash doll,” she said as she hoofed over a bag of bits and walked away, being sure to grab a baseball bat before she left. The manager simply tilted his head in confusion, and turned to his employee. “Uh, wha-” he was interrupted by the sound of nearby glass shattering, followed by the happy squealing of a nearby filly. “...Oh, now I get it,” he said with an annoyed look on his face. Eh, oh well, at least I’m already compensated for the damage, he thought with a shrug as he left the store and quickly ran to his claw machine. “Diamond, we gotta talk,” Apple Bloom said as she sat next to her wife, who was knitting a scarf for Scootaloo for the coming winter months. “Sure, what about?” Diamond Tiara said, not even bothering to look up from her work. Scootaloo was busy upstairs playing with her new Rainbow Dash doll, introducing it to her other Rainbow Dash dolls that numbered in the hundreds. “Diamond, we can’t just go and spend hundreds of bits on Scoots just because she whines! We gotta be more strict with her,” Apple Bloom suggested, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “I know, and I’m sorry, Apple Bloom! But I just didn’t know what to do!” Diamond Tiara sighed, leaning on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “What are we going to do? She’s getting out of control.” “Hmm...maybe we can’t do anything,” Apple Bloom said as she scratched her chin in thought. “So what? We just give up?!” Diamond Tiara asked as she pushed away from Apple Bloom and glared at her. “N-no! Celestia, no!” Apple Bloom quickly shook her head, fearing her wife’s wrath. “What ah’m trying ta say, maybe we can’t do anything, but somepony else can!” Apple Bloom said, earning a questioning glance from Diamond Tiara. “Maybe, and hear me out on this, maybe we could adopt another foal!” “No, absolutely not!” Diamond Tiara dismissed with a wave of her hoof. “But that does give me an idea, what if we teach her responsibility by getting her a pet?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Hmm, that’s a good idea actually,” Apple Bloom muttered with a smile. “Alright, fine! Tomorrow, we’re going to Fluttershy’s cottage and getting our little girl a pet!” Apple Bloom declared, earning a giggle from Diamond Tiara. “Scootaloo is going to absolutely adore her new pet!” Diamond Tiara whispered, hoping Scootaloo wouldn’t overhear them. “Ah know, and best yet she’ll think we’re the best parents ever,” Apple Bloom whispered back, earning a nuzzle from Diamond Tiara. Tomorrow Scootaloo would have her very own pet, and it was going to be the best pet money could buy. The Best Pet Ever“Good morning, Angel. How’s mommy’s little baby?” Fluttershy cooed as she nuzzled Angel, who quickly nuzzled her back. “Come on. Let’s make you something to eat,” Fluttershy said as she entered the kitchen. It was a peaceful Sunday morning at the cottage, a wonderful Sunday where Fluttershy could kick back and relax with all of her furry little friends. Angel especially needed the attention. After all he always was a bit of a momma’s boy. After preparing Angel’s extravagant salad, Fluttershy sat at her table with a cup of tea, pondering what she was going to have for breakfast. Pancakes? No, I’m all out of syrup. Maybe some toast? Oh wait. Angel hates it if I make toast before noon on Sundays. It ruins his schedule. Maybe I’ll just have some grilled cheese? Fluttershy sighed as she continued to think of what she wanted for breakfast. She couldn’t really decide on anything today. “MISS FLUTTERSHY! OPEN THE DOOR!” she heard somepony yell as they slammed their hooves on her door. “Oh, is that Diamond Tiara?” Fluttershy mumbled as she slowly walked towards her front door. Diamond Tiara would often visit her to play with the animals on Sundays, though ever since she got married her visits all but ceased. “Uh, isn’t that a bit rude?” she heard somepony, most likely Apple Bloom, ask from behind her door. Oh, I wonder why she brought Apple Bloom? Fluttershy wondered as she opened the door and found Diamond Tiara glaring at her husband. “I was not being rude, Apple Bloom! I was simply announcing our prese-Oh, Fluttershy!” Diamond Tiara called out with a smile, causing Fluttershy to giggle. “Hello, Diamond Tiara. Hello, Apple Bloom,” Fluttershy greeted with a smile. “Howdy, Miss Fluttershy! How are ya?!” Apple Bloom asked as she waved her hoof around. “Oh, I’m-” “She’s fine, Apple Bloom!” Diamond Tiara cut off Fluttershy instantly. “Anyways, Miss Fluttershy, we need your help,” Diamond Tiara said, earning a confused look from Fluttershy. “Oh? What do you need my help with?” Fluttershy asked with concern. “Well, we want to teach Scootaloo about responsibility, right?” Diamond Tiara asked, earning a confused nod from Fluttershy. “So I figured we could get her a pet!” “Oh my,” Fluttershy mumbled in shock. “Y-you sure she’s ready for that kind of responsibility?” she asked, causing Diamond Tiara to laugh. “Of course she is! She is my daughter after all.” “Ya mean ‘our’ daughter, right?” Apple Bloom asked, fixing Diamond Tiara with a glare. “Whatever,” Diamond Tiara said with a shrug and turned back to Fluttershy. “So show us what pets you have, preferably something low maintenance.” “Well, if you’re sure,” Fluttershy mumbled as she walked out of her house and led the two fillies to her backyard. “Let’s see...something low maintenance?” Fluttershy asked herself as she looked around. Maybe I should offer them a goldfish? “Ah found something!” Apple Bloom shouted as she raced away, earning a glare from Diamond Tiara. “Apple Bloom, where are yo-” “Let’s get her this cricket!” Apple Bloom shouted as she held her hoof up, showing off the disgusting bug. “...No,” Diamond Tiara said as she turned her back on Apple Bloom. “Why not? It’s low maintenance like ya wanted,” Apple Bloom said as she continued looking at the cricket, admiring its strangely shaped legs. “Um, excuse me, but-” “We are not getting Scootaloo a disgusting cricket!” Diamond Tiara shouted as she looked at the ducks, and walked away with a snort. It was then that she spotted what she believed to be the perfect pet, and grinned as she happily picked it up. “How about this?!” she asked, showing off the perfect pet for Scootaloo. “Um, I’m sorry, Diamond, but-” “Uh, darling, that’s a rock,” Apple Bloom said slowly, unsure if her wife just went crazy. “Exactly! There’s no way she could kill this!” Diamond Tiara said with a smile. “K-kill?!” Fluttershy squee’d, panting heavily as panic started taking over. Calm down, Fluttershy! Remember Twilight’s breathing exercises! “Well, ah guess that’s true,” Apple Bloom muttered as she walked up to Diamond Tiara to admire the rock. “But...it’s a bland rock, ya think she’ll like it?” “Hmm, maybe we could paint it to look like Rainbow Dash?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea!” Apple Bloom said as she nodded her head in excitement. “Ya think it’ll be good enough to trick her though?” “Hmm, we can hope,” Diamond Tiara muttered as she looked at Fluttershy. “Thanks, Miss Fluttershy! We’ll take good care of this rock for you!” she called out. The two fillies quickly leaving a panic-induced Fluttershy as they rushed to the nearest paint store. “Mom; Dad, I’m home!” Scootaloo called out as she threw her stuff on the floor and yawned. Ugh, school sucks, maybe I’ll pretend to be sick tomorrow. “Scootaloo, come into the kitchen for a minute!” Diamond Tiara called out. “Coming, Mom!” Scootaloo yelled as she rushed into the kitchen and found her parents sitting at the table. “What’d you guys need?” Scootaloo asked as she took a seat next to her father. “Well, Scoots-” “Your father and I decided to get you a pet!” Diamond Tiara said with a smile, earning a glare from Apple Bloom and a smile from Scootaloo. “A pet?! Awesome, what is it?!” Scootaloo asked as she jumped up and down her seat. “Is it a manticore?! A timberwolf? Ooh, is it a-” “SURPRISE!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she put a smooth rock, painted to look like Rainbow Dash on the table in front of Scootaloo. “It’s your very own pet rock!” “...” For several minutes Scootaloo simply stared at the rock in shock. “It’s...it’s…” she mumbled as she picked up the rock delicately, drool dripping out of her mouth. “This is amazing!” Scootaloo gasped as she gently petted the rock. “I-is this really mine?” Scootaloo asked, receiving a smile from both her parents. “Eeyup!” Apple Bloom said as she patted Scootaloo on the head. “Take good care of...her?” “I will!” Scootaloo said as she gently nuzzled her pet rock. “Thanks Mom; Thanks, Dad!” Scootaloo shouted as she quickly rushed upstairs. Smiling as she watched her daughter run upstairs, Diamond Tiara turned to Apple Bloom and sighed. “I-I can’t believe that worked,” she muttered, her smile disappearing from her face. “Do you think we should get her checked?” “Ya worry too much, Diamond. Ah’m sure she’s fine,” Apple Bloom dismissed with a shrug. “Ah’m sure she’s just going through a phase.” “I guess,” Diamond Tiara muttered, still worried about her daughter. I hope you’re right, Apple Bloom. Dear Celestia, I hope you’re right. FamilyCadance loved tiaras; neigh, she was obsessed with them! Gold, silver, ruby, or emerald, it didn’t matter! They were all equally beautiful in her mind. She owned hundreds, possibly thousands, of tiaras, all made of various materials. She even had a tiara made of sticks (given to her by the Queen of Squirrels). But there was one tiara that she loved above all else. One tiara that she could only gaze at, but never touch. One tiara that she couldn’t bare to be without. One tiara that brought tears to her eyes in longing. It was her sister, Diamond Tiara. Long ago, Cadance had been separated from her parents. How, she did not know. She was only a pegasus pony back then, before the many trials that had transformed her into an alicorn princess. But that was another story for another time. Not long after being adopted by Celestia, she had learned of her family. How her parents were heartbroken from her disappearance, but eventually tried to move on with their lives. How they had another child, her sister, Diamond Tiara. She had missed everything. She never saw her sister’s first steps, or her first tiara, and she had never even gotten the chance to go to Diamond Tiara’s Cute-Cenera. Cadance wanted so badly to be with her parents after so many years, but she could never come up with the courage to face them. How could she just reappear into their lives after so long? Would they even want to see her again? They had tried so hard to move on with their lives, and for them to find that she had been alive this whole time? How would they react? Would they be happy? Or would they regret that they gave up on finding her? As years passed with Cadance silently watching over her sister, she had, at first, been disappointed in her. How could she be so mean? she would often ask herself. Was she just mean? Or was it simply because she was a child and didn’t know better? But then Diamond Tiara did something no filly her age had ever done before. She adopted somepony…who was the same age as her. At first Cadance didn’t know what to think. How could the Equestrian government possibly do nothing about this strange predicament?! It then got even stranger when her baby sister got married. To Apple Bloom no less (not that she hated Apple Bloom; she just wasn’t good enough for Cadance’s baby sister). But as she watched the two raise Scootaloo, smiling and laughing everyday contently, she could no longer be disappointed with her baby sister. Diamond Tiara was doing her best to make Scootaloo and Apple Bloom as happy as possible, and she was doing a fantastic job. She was part of one big, happy family. The longing in Cadance’s heart only grew, The longing in Cadance’s heart had grown, until one day, as she had silently smiled while watching Diamond Tiara attempt to bring Scootaloo indoors to do her homework, only one thought filled her mind. I want to be a part of that, Cadance thought, staring intently as Diamond Tiara finally dragged Scootaloo inside the house. “Now, Scootaloo, you are not leaving your room until you finish your homework!” Diamond Tiara yelled, glaring at Scootaloo who refused to pick up her pencil. “But, Mom, I don’t want to do my-” “I don’t care!” Diamond Tiara interrupted. “Scootaloo, you have to do your homework! If you don’t then--” She was interrupted by the sound of her doorbell. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” Diamond Tiara muttered. “Ooh, we have company!” Scootaloo said as she rushed past her mom and quickly ran downstairs. Diamond Tiara sighed once again as she headed after her daughter. “She’s never going to get her homework done,” Diamond Tiara mumbled as she finally made it to the door, seeing her daughter gush over their guest. Which reminds me, I need to go over Silver Spoon’s place so I can get her to do my homework. “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh! Princess Cadance?!” “Princess Cadance?!” Diamond Tiara repeated, looking at her guest. “Hello, Scootaloo. Hello, Diamond Tiara,” Princess Cadance greeted with a smile. “I hope I’m not intruding, but--” “Intruding?! Ha! Of course not!” Diamond Tiara gushed as she pulled the princess inside the house. “Please, have a seat!” Diamond Tiara said as she pushed Cadance onto the living room sofa. “Th-thanks,” Cadance mumbled as she watched Diamond Tiara rush into the kitchen. She reappeared by her side moments later with a tray of drinks on top of her head. “Would you like something to drink? Sparkling water? Hot coco? Or maybe some strawberry milk?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Uh...strawberry milk sounds nice,” Cadance giggled as she levitated the beverage over towards herself and took a sip. “Great! Would you like anything else?” Diamond Tiara asked. “N--no, I’m fine, thank you--” “Oh no!” Diamond Tiara gasped. “I forgot to get you something to eat! Scootaloo!” “Yes, Mommy?” “Oh no, I’m alri--” “Prepare some cheese and crackers!” Diamond Tiara demanded as she laid the tray with its remaining drinks on top of Scootaloo’s head. “...Um, cheddar, if that’s alright?” Cadance asked smiling, earning a nod from Diamond Tiara. “Of course,” Diamond Tiara said. She then turned to Scootaloo and pointed to the kitchen. “Crackers and cheddar cheese, on the double!” “Yes, Mommy!” Scootaloo saluted and quickly ran towards the kitchen, causing the tray on her head to fall off and spill all over the floor. “Um...I’ll clean that later,” Scootaloo mumbled as she rushed into the kitchen. “Of course,” Diamond Tiara sighed. She then turned towards Princess Cadance with an apologetic smile. “I do hope you can forgive my daughter. She’s a bit clumsy,” Diamond Tiara chuckled. “Oh, it’s alright. I don’t mind,” Cadance replied. Alright, Cadance, keep calm. This is your sister. What do you say to your sister in this kind of situation? “So, Princess, may I ask why you’re--” “I love you!” Cadance shouted, and then quickly slapped her hooves over her mouth. That...came out wrong! “W-what?” Diamond Tiara muttered, staring wide eyed at Cadance, her jaw hanging from her mouth. “I-I didn’t mean love love! I-I meant more of a platonic love! L-like family!” Cadance blurted out. Pausing for a second, Cadance took deep breaths to steady her heart, and looked Diamond Tiara straight in the eye. “Listen, Diamond Tiara-” “Listen, Princess. I understand, really,” Diamond Tiara said smiling. “You do?” Cadance asked, confusion sprawled over her face. “Princess, you said it yourself! You love me like family,” Diamond Tiara muttered. She laid her hoof over Cadance’s, smiling up at her. “When I look at you I feel this connection, as if we really were family! You feel it too, right?” Diamond Tiara asked. A single tear welled up in Cadance’s eye as she smiled back at her sister. “Yes, Diamond Tiara. I feel it too,” Cadance whispered as she gazed lovingly at her sister. “And please, call me ‘Cadance. We’re family after all!” The two hardly knew each other, and yet they felt an unbreakable bond between themselves-- a bond that existed despite being separated for so long. The bond of sisterhood. “I’m glad we had this time to talk, Diamond Tiara,” Cadance said as the two of them waited at the train station. For the whole week Cadance stayed in Ponyville, she had spent time with Diamond Tiara and her family. “I’m glad too, Cadance. I just wish we had more time together,” Diamond Tiara mumbled. It was at that moment she heard the Crystal Empire’s train whistle blowing, signaling its arrival. “That’s my train. It looks like this is goodbye,” Cadance said as she looked at her sister. “It was great meeting you, Diamond Tiara.” “And it was great meeting you, Cadance,” Diamond Tiara replied. “By the way, I have a present for you!” Diamond Tiara said as she hoofed over a a golden-colored document. “Wh--what is this?” Cadance asked. When she finally saw the print she gasped in shock, continuously re-reading the document. “I wanted to make it official, so I made some calls to Princess Sparkle, who then allowed me to speak with Celestia, aaaand let’s just say it wasn’t cheap,” Diamond Tiara giggled. “I-I can’t believe what I’m reading,” Cadance mumbled as the piece of paper fell from her grasp. “Well, believe it, Cadance. We’re officially family now!” Diamond Tiara said as she stood on her haunches and gave Cadance a peck on the cheek. Auntie Celestia...what have you done? Cadance asked herself as she picked up the document and re-read it, just to make sure it was correct. The more she read it, the more her heart sank. She had wanted to reunite with her baby sister so that they could become the family they were meant to be... But not like this. “Have a safe trip, Cadance,” Diamond Tiara said as she turned around and walked away. “Oh, and be sure to introduce me to your husband when I finally visit,” Diamond Tiara said as she turned back to Cadance, a playful smirk sprawled upon her face, “After all, I’m just dying to meet my son-in-law!” Author's Note Editing by Mudpony Pre-reading by Yukito Epilogue“Scootaloo, are you ready yet?” Diamond Tiara asked as she put her last bag of tiara’s onto the stagecoach. “No, Mom! I can’t find Rocky!” Scootaloo said as she threw her one and only bag on the stagecoach. “How can I go out of town without him? What if he starves to death?!” Scootaloo asked. Diamond Tiara glared at her daughter and sighed. “Scootaloo, Rocky is a rock. Rocks don’t need food...they’re rocks.” “So?! What’s your point?!” Scootaloo asked. “...Apple Bloom, are you ready to leave yet?!” Diamond Tiara yelled, deciding to ignore Scootaloo for a minute or two. “Ah got everything taken care of, if that’s what yer asking,” Apple Bloom said as she got on the stagecoach and took the reigns. “Big Mac, ya ready ta take us to the train station?” “Eeyup.” “But, Dad! I can’t find Rocky!” Scootaloo complained, refusing to get on the stagecoach. Diamond swiftly turned to Scootaloo and grabbed her by the ear. “Scootaloo, for the last time, Rocky is a rock! He’ll be fine by himself!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she dragged Scootaloo inside the stagecoach. “B-but, Mom-” “Scootaloo Maria Rich, you will settle down this instant and forget about Rocky!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she forced a pouting Scootaloo to sit down. “Alright, Apple Bloom, take us to the train station.” “Yes, Ma’am!” Apple Bloom said with a salute. As Apple Bloom whipped the reigns and Big McIntosh pulled the stagecoach, Diamond Tiara sat back into her chair and smiled. “I still don’t get why we’re going to the Crystal Empire,” Scootaloo whined. “Scootaloo, sweetie, don’t you want to see your sister?” Diamond Tiara asked with a smile. “Eh, not really.” “And what about your brother-in-law?” Diamond Tiara asked once again with a smirk. “Brother-in-law? Why would I want to see him?” Scootaloo asked. She stared at her mother’s face, observing her smirk when realization dawned on her. “You’re going to give him a hard time, aren’t you?” “Oh a maliciously hard time,” Diamond Tiara chuckled as she slammed one hoof against the other. “Marrying my daughter and not invite me to the wedding?” “Mom, you didn’t adopt her until like, two days ago.” “Shining Armor, you will pay for this crime against motherhood. You. Will. Pay,” Diamond Tiara muttered as she glared in the direction of the Crystal Empire. ...Or at least she was pretty sure that was the direction. Either way in just twelve hours she would meet her son-in-law. And this was going to be one family visit he won’t soon forget. Author's Note Will Shining Armor survive through his mother-in-law's visit? Will Cadance be able to bond with her new family? And will Filthy Rich earn his rightful place as one of the main characters? Find out the answer to two of these questions in the next installment/spin off of the Mother-verse: How to be a Son-In-Law. Entering Pre-Production early next month.
Claw Machines and Baseball Bats“Scootaloo Maria Rich, you get away from that claw machine this instant!” Diamond Tiara yelled, glaring at her adopted daughter. “But, Mooooom, I really want that Rainbow Dash doll!” Scootaloo whined as she held onto the claw machine as if her life depended on it, though in her mind her life really was on the line. “Scootaloo, darling, you already have enough Rainbow Dash dolls, you don’t need it,” Diamond Tiara said, trying to stay calm so she wouldn’t cause a scene at the market. The last thing she needed was some soccer mom reporting her for verbally abusing Scootaloo again. “But I do need it!” Scootaloo cried, her eyes becoming moist, a tell tale sign she was about to cry. “This Rainbow Dash doll is 20 percent cooler than half of my other ones! And it has life like wings and it has an Equestria Games flag in her mouth! I want it!” Scootaloo screamed as she began banging against the claw machine’s glass. “Alright, fine!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she walked up to Scootaloo and gave her some bits. “Play the stupid claw game, but this is coming out of your allowance, young lady!” Diamond Tiara said, causing Scootaloo to smile. “Alright! Thanks, Mom!” Scootaloo giggled as she put a bit inside the machine. Navigating the claw just above the Rainbow Dash doll, she pressed the lower button, causing the claw to descend and grab onto the doll. “Yes!” Scootaloo yelled in triumph. *plop* The doll quickly fell out of the claw’s grasp, landing on several other Rainbow Dash dolls. Scootaloo stared for several seconds, and Diamond Tiara quickly covered her ears, sighing at the inevitable headache she was to receive. “Moooooooom!” Scootaloo cried, tears pouring down her eyes as she turned to Diamond Tiara. “T-the claw machine chea-ea-eated!” Scootaloo quickly wrapped her hooves around Diamond Tiara, crying into her shoulder. “There, there, Scootaloo,” Diamond said gently as she patted her daughter on the back. “You still have a few bits left, just play a couple of more games!” Diamond Tiara suggested. After another minute of silently sobbing, Scootaloo let go of Diamond Tiara and nodded, turning back to the evil machine. Oh, dear Celestia, please let her win! Diamond Tiara begged, not wanting to listen to her daughter’s whining. Scootaloo was becoming a big baby, and it was all because she was spoiled rotten. “O-okay,” Scootaloo sniffled as she inserted another bit, once again going after the Rainbow Dash doll. “Almost...got...it….” Scootaloo mumbled for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, and groaned when the doll slipped from the claws grasp. “MOOOOOO-” “NO! YOU ARE NOT PLAYING AGAIN!” Diamond Tiara shouted as she ignored her crying daughter. “You wasted exactly two-hundred and thirty five bits. Do you hear me? TWO-HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE BITS!!! That’s enough to buy you a hundred Rainbow Dash toys!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she rubbed her temples in irritation. “B-but I want this one,” Scootaloo sniffled, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “Scootaloo, you’ve wasted enough of our money! Do you realize how angry your father is going to be?” Diamond Tiara asked, causing Scootaloo to shake her head. “Ugh, she’s going to be furious! You know how stingy she is!” Scootaloo turned towards the vending machine, gazing sadly at the Rainbow Dash doll. Resisting the urge to cry she silently nodded. “Good, you finally understand,” Diamond Tiara said with a smile and began walking away. “Come on, Scootaloo, I’ll buy you some ice cre-” “Yeah, I understand,” Scootaloo grumbled, causing Diamond Tiara to turn around, annoyed she was interrupted. “I understand... you don’t love me!” Scootaloo cried as she quickly hugged the claw machine. “Scootaloo, you know that’s not true!” Diamond Tiara yelled and attempted to yank Scootaloo away from the claw machine. “I love you very much, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to waste any more money on this stupid claw machine!” “If you love me than you would get me my Rainbow Dash doll no matter what!” Scootaloo argued, glaring at her mother as she held onto the claw machine even tighter than before. “Gah! Fine!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she let go of Scootaloo, who was now glancing at her in shock. “You want the Rainbow Dash doll that badly?! Fine!” Walking away, Diamond Tiara walked over to the store that owned the claw machine. “I want to speak to your manager!” she yelled at a random employee, who nodded in fear. “Uh, yes ma’am!” he replied as he ran into the back of the room. It only took a few seconds until the manager of the store came out. “Yes, lil filly, how may I help you?” he asked with a smile. “I have a question for you, my good sir,” Diamond Tiara said with a smile. “How much would it cost you to fix your claw machine’s broken glass?” “Uh...I don’t know, I’m guessing maybe eighty-five bits?” the manager asked with a shrug, causing Diamond’s smile to widen. “Good, here’s two-hundred for the glass, baseball bat, and Rainbow Dash doll,” she said as she hoofed over a bag of bits and walked away, being sure to grab a baseball bat before she left. The manager simply tilted his head in confusion, and turned to his employee. “Uh, wha-” he was interrupted by the sound of nearby glass shattering, followed by the happy squealing of a nearby filly. “...Oh, now I get it,” he said with an annoyed look on his face. Eh, oh well, at least I’m already compensated for the damage, he thought with a shrug as he left the store and quickly ran to his claw machine. “Diamond, we gotta talk,” Apple Bloom said as she sat next to her wife, who was knitting a scarf for Scootaloo for the coming winter months. “Sure, what about?” Diamond Tiara said, not even bothering to look up from her work. Scootaloo was busy upstairs playing with her new Rainbow Dash doll, introducing it to her other Rainbow Dash dolls that numbered in the hundreds. “Diamond, we can’t just go and spend hundreds of bits on Scoots just because she whines! We gotta be more strict with her,” Apple Bloom suggested, causing Diamond Tiara to groan. “I know, and I’m sorry, Apple Bloom! But I just didn’t know what to do!” Diamond Tiara sighed, leaning on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “What are we going to do? She’s getting out of control.” “Hmm...maybe we can’t do anything,” Apple Bloom said as she scratched her chin in thought. “So what? We just give up?!” Diamond Tiara asked as she pushed away from Apple Bloom and glared at her. “N-no! Celestia, no!” Apple Bloom quickly shook her head, fearing her wife’s wrath. “What ah’m trying ta say, maybe we can’t do anything, but somepony else can!” Apple Bloom said, earning a questioning glance from Diamond Tiara. “Maybe, and hear me out on this, maybe we could adopt another foal!” “No, absolutely not!” Diamond Tiara dismissed with a wave of her hoof. “But that does give me an idea, what if we teach her responsibility by getting her a pet?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Hmm, that’s a good idea actually,” Apple Bloom muttered with a smile. “Alright, fine! Tomorrow, we’re going to Fluttershy’s cottage and getting our little girl a pet!” Apple Bloom declared, earning a giggle from Diamond Tiara. “Scootaloo is going to absolutely adore her new pet!” Diamond Tiara whispered, hoping Scootaloo wouldn’t overhear them. “Ah know, and best yet she’ll think we’re the best parents ever,” Apple Bloom whispered back, earning a nuzzle from Diamond Tiara. Tomorrow Scootaloo would have her very own pet, and it was going to be the best pet money could buy.
The Best Pet Ever“Good morning, Angel. How’s mommy’s little baby?” Fluttershy cooed as she nuzzled Angel, who quickly nuzzled her back. “Come on. Let’s make you something to eat,” Fluttershy said as she entered the kitchen. It was a peaceful Sunday morning at the cottage, a wonderful Sunday where Fluttershy could kick back and relax with all of her furry little friends. Angel especially needed the attention. After all he always was a bit of a momma’s boy. After preparing Angel’s extravagant salad, Fluttershy sat at her table with a cup of tea, pondering what she was going to have for breakfast. Pancakes? No, I’m all out of syrup. Maybe some toast? Oh wait. Angel hates it if I make toast before noon on Sundays. It ruins his schedule. Maybe I’ll just have some grilled cheese? Fluttershy sighed as she continued to think of what she wanted for breakfast. She couldn’t really decide on anything today. “MISS FLUTTERSHY! OPEN THE DOOR!” she heard somepony yell as they slammed their hooves on her door. “Oh, is that Diamond Tiara?” Fluttershy mumbled as she slowly walked towards her front door. Diamond Tiara would often visit her to play with the animals on Sundays, though ever since she got married her visits all but ceased. “Uh, isn’t that a bit rude?” she heard somepony, most likely Apple Bloom, ask from behind her door. Oh, I wonder why she brought Apple Bloom? Fluttershy wondered as she opened the door and found Diamond Tiara glaring at her husband. “I was not being rude, Apple Bloom! I was simply announcing our prese-Oh, Fluttershy!” Diamond Tiara called out with a smile, causing Fluttershy to giggle. “Hello, Diamond Tiara. Hello, Apple Bloom,” Fluttershy greeted with a smile. “Howdy, Miss Fluttershy! How are ya?!” Apple Bloom asked as she waved her hoof around. “Oh, I’m-” “She’s fine, Apple Bloom!” Diamond Tiara cut off Fluttershy instantly. “Anyways, Miss Fluttershy, we need your help,” Diamond Tiara said, earning a confused look from Fluttershy. “Oh? What do you need my help with?” Fluttershy asked with concern. “Well, we want to teach Scootaloo about responsibility, right?” Diamond Tiara asked, earning a confused nod from Fluttershy. “So I figured we could get her a pet!” “Oh my,” Fluttershy mumbled in shock. “Y-you sure she’s ready for that kind of responsibility?” she asked, causing Diamond Tiara to laugh. “Of course she is! She is my daughter after all.” “Ya mean ‘our’ daughter, right?” Apple Bloom asked, fixing Diamond Tiara with a glare. “Whatever,” Diamond Tiara said with a shrug and turned back to Fluttershy. “So show us what pets you have, preferably something low maintenance.” “Well, if you’re sure,” Fluttershy mumbled as she walked out of her house and led the two fillies to her backyard. “Let’s see...something low maintenance?” Fluttershy asked herself as she looked around. Maybe I should offer them a goldfish? “Ah found something!” Apple Bloom shouted as she raced away, earning a glare from Diamond Tiara. “Apple Bloom, where are yo-” “Let’s get her this cricket!” Apple Bloom shouted as she held her hoof up, showing off the disgusting bug. “...No,” Diamond Tiara said as she turned her back on Apple Bloom. “Why not? It’s low maintenance like ya wanted,” Apple Bloom said as she continued looking at the cricket, admiring its strangely shaped legs. “Um, excuse me, but-” “We are not getting Scootaloo a disgusting cricket!” Diamond Tiara shouted as she looked at the ducks, and walked away with a snort. It was then that she spotted what she believed to be the perfect pet, and grinned as she happily picked it up. “How about this?!” she asked, showing off the perfect pet for Scootaloo. “Um, I’m sorry, Diamond, but-” “Uh, darling, that’s a rock,” Apple Bloom said slowly, unsure if her wife just went crazy. “Exactly! There’s no way she could kill this!” Diamond Tiara said with a smile. “K-kill?!” Fluttershy squee’d, panting heavily as panic started taking over. Calm down, Fluttershy! Remember Twilight’s breathing exercises! “Well, ah guess that’s true,” Apple Bloom muttered as she walked up to Diamond Tiara to admire the rock. “But...it’s a bland rock, ya think she’ll like it?” “Hmm, maybe we could paint it to look like Rainbow Dash?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea!” Apple Bloom said as she nodded her head in excitement. “Ya think it’ll be good enough to trick her though?” “Hmm, we can hope,” Diamond Tiara muttered as she looked at Fluttershy. “Thanks, Miss Fluttershy! We’ll take good care of this rock for you!” she called out. The two fillies quickly leaving a panic-induced Fluttershy as they rushed to the nearest paint store. “Mom; Dad, I’m home!” Scootaloo called out as she threw her stuff on the floor and yawned. Ugh, school sucks, maybe I’ll pretend to be sick tomorrow. “Scootaloo, come into the kitchen for a minute!” Diamond Tiara called out. “Coming, Mom!” Scootaloo yelled as she rushed into the kitchen and found her parents sitting at the table. “What’d you guys need?” Scootaloo asked as she took a seat next to her father. “Well, Scoots-” “Your father and I decided to get you a pet!” Diamond Tiara said with a smile, earning a glare from Apple Bloom and a smile from Scootaloo. “A pet?! Awesome, what is it?!” Scootaloo asked as she jumped up and down her seat. “Is it a manticore?! A timberwolf? Ooh, is it a-” “SURPRISE!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she put a smooth rock, painted to look like Rainbow Dash on the table in front of Scootaloo. “It’s your very own pet rock!” “...” For several minutes Scootaloo simply stared at the rock in shock. “It’s...it’s…” she mumbled as she picked up the rock delicately, drool dripping out of her mouth. “This is amazing!” Scootaloo gasped as she gently petted the rock. “I-is this really mine?” Scootaloo asked, receiving a smile from both her parents. “Eeyup!” Apple Bloom said as she patted Scootaloo on the head. “Take good care of...her?” “I will!” Scootaloo said as she gently nuzzled her pet rock. “Thanks Mom; Thanks, Dad!” Scootaloo shouted as she quickly rushed upstairs. Smiling as she watched her daughter run upstairs, Diamond Tiara turned to Apple Bloom and sighed. “I-I can’t believe that worked,” she muttered, her smile disappearing from her face. “Do you think we should get her checked?” “Ya worry too much, Diamond. Ah’m sure she’s fine,” Apple Bloom dismissed with a shrug. “Ah’m sure she’s just going through a phase.” “I guess,” Diamond Tiara muttered, still worried about her daughter. I hope you’re right, Apple Bloom. Dear Celestia, I hope you’re right.
FamilyCadance loved tiaras; neigh, she was obsessed with them! Gold, silver, ruby, or emerald, it didn’t matter! They were all equally beautiful in her mind. She owned hundreds, possibly thousands, of tiaras, all made of various materials. She even had a tiara made of sticks (given to her by the Queen of Squirrels). But there was one tiara that she loved above all else. One tiara that she could only gaze at, but never touch. One tiara that she couldn’t bare to be without. One tiara that brought tears to her eyes in longing. It was her sister, Diamond Tiara. Long ago, Cadance had been separated from her parents. How, she did not know. She was only a pegasus pony back then, before the many trials that had transformed her into an alicorn princess. But that was another story for another time. Not long after being adopted by Celestia, she had learned of her family. How her parents were heartbroken from her disappearance, but eventually tried to move on with their lives. How they had another child, her sister, Diamond Tiara. She had missed everything. She never saw her sister’s first steps, or her first tiara, and she had never even gotten the chance to go to Diamond Tiara’s Cute-Cenera. Cadance wanted so badly to be with her parents after so many years, but she could never come up with the courage to face them. How could she just reappear into their lives after so long? Would they even want to see her again? They had tried so hard to move on with their lives, and for them to find that she had been alive this whole time? How would they react? Would they be happy? Or would they regret that they gave up on finding her? As years passed with Cadance silently watching over her sister, she had, at first, been disappointed in her. How could she be so mean? she would often ask herself. Was she just mean? Or was it simply because she was a child and didn’t know better? But then Diamond Tiara did something no filly her age had ever done before. She adopted somepony…who was the same age as her. At first Cadance didn’t know what to think. How could the Equestrian government possibly do nothing about this strange predicament?! It then got even stranger when her baby sister got married. To Apple Bloom no less (not that she hated Apple Bloom; she just wasn’t good enough for Cadance’s baby sister). But as she watched the two raise Scootaloo, smiling and laughing everyday contently, she could no longer be disappointed with her baby sister. Diamond Tiara was doing her best to make Scootaloo and Apple Bloom as happy as possible, and she was doing a fantastic job. She was part of one big, happy family. The longing in Cadance’s heart only grew, The longing in Cadance’s heart had grown, until one day, as she had silently smiled while watching Diamond Tiara attempt to bring Scootaloo indoors to do her homework, only one thought filled her mind. I want to be a part of that, Cadance thought, staring intently as Diamond Tiara finally dragged Scootaloo inside the house. “Now, Scootaloo, you are not leaving your room until you finish your homework!” Diamond Tiara yelled, glaring at Scootaloo who refused to pick up her pencil. “But, Mom, I don’t want to do my-” “I don’t care!” Diamond Tiara interrupted. “Scootaloo, you have to do your homework! If you don’t then--” She was interrupted by the sound of her doorbell. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” Diamond Tiara muttered. “Ooh, we have company!” Scootaloo said as she rushed past her mom and quickly ran downstairs. Diamond Tiara sighed once again as she headed after her daughter. “She’s never going to get her homework done,” Diamond Tiara mumbled as she finally made it to the door, seeing her daughter gush over their guest. Which reminds me, I need to go over Silver Spoon’s place so I can get her to do my homework. “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh! Princess Cadance?!” “Princess Cadance?!” Diamond Tiara repeated, looking at her guest. “Hello, Scootaloo. Hello, Diamond Tiara,” Princess Cadance greeted with a smile. “I hope I’m not intruding, but--” “Intruding?! Ha! Of course not!” Diamond Tiara gushed as she pulled the princess inside the house. “Please, have a seat!” Diamond Tiara said as she pushed Cadance onto the living room sofa. “Th-thanks,” Cadance mumbled as she watched Diamond Tiara rush into the kitchen. She reappeared by her side moments later with a tray of drinks on top of her head. “Would you like something to drink? Sparkling water? Hot coco? Or maybe some strawberry milk?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Uh...strawberry milk sounds nice,” Cadance giggled as she levitated the beverage over towards herself and took a sip. “Great! Would you like anything else?” Diamond Tiara asked. “N--no, I’m fine, thank you--” “Oh no!” Diamond Tiara gasped. “I forgot to get you something to eat! Scootaloo!” “Yes, Mommy?” “Oh no, I’m alri--” “Prepare some cheese and crackers!” Diamond Tiara demanded as she laid the tray with its remaining drinks on top of Scootaloo’s head. “...Um, cheddar, if that’s alright?” Cadance asked smiling, earning a nod from Diamond Tiara. “Of course,” Diamond Tiara said. She then turned to Scootaloo and pointed to the kitchen. “Crackers and cheddar cheese, on the double!” “Yes, Mommy!” Scootaloo saluted and quickly ran towards the kitchen, causing the tray on her head to fall off and spill all over the floor. “Um...I’ll clean that later,” Scootaloo mumbled as she rushed into the kitchen. “Of course,” Diamond Tiara sighed. She then turned towards Princess Cadance with an apologetic smile. “I do hope you can forgive my daughter. She’s a bit clumsy,” Diamond Tiara chuckled. “Oh, it’s alright. I don’t mind,” Cadance replied. Alright, Cadance, keep calm. This is your sister. What do you say to your sister in this kind of situation? “So, Princess, may I ask why you’re--” “I love you!” Cadance shouted, and then quickly slapped her hooves over her mouth. That...came out wrong! “W-what?” Diamond Tiara muttered, staring wide eyed at Cadance, her jaw hanging from her mouth. “I-I didn’t mean love love! I-I meant more of a platonic love! L-like family!” Cadance blurted out. Pausing for a second, Cadance took deep breaths to steady her heart, and looked Diamond Tiara straight in the eye. “Listen, Diamond Tiara-” “Listen, Princess. I understand, really,” Diamond Tiara said smiling. “You do?” Cadance asked, confusion sprawled over her face. “Princess, you said it yourself! You love me like family,” Diamond Tiara muttered. She laid her hoof over Cadance’s, smiling up at her. “When I look at you I feel this connection, as if we really were family! You feel it too, right?” Diamond Tiara asked. A single tear welled up in Cadance’s eye as she smiled back at her sister. “Yes, Diamond Tiara. I feel it too,” Cadance whispered as she gazed lovingly at her sister. “And please, call me ‘Cadance. We’re family after all!” The two hardly knew each other, and yet they felt an unbreakable bond between themselves-- a bond that existed despite being separated for so long. The bond of sisterhood. “I’m glad we had this time to talk, Diamond Tiara,” Cadance said as the two of them waited at the train station. For the whole week Cadance stayed in Ponyville, she had spent time with Diamond Tiara and her family. “I’m glad too, Cadance. I just wish we had more time together,” Diamond Tiara mumbled. It was at that moment she heard the Crystal Empire’s train whistle blowing, signaling its arrival. “That’s my train. It looks like this is goodbye,” Cadance said as she looked at her sister. “It was great meeting you, Diamond Tiara.” “And it was great meeting you, Cadance,” Diamond Tiara replied. “By the way, I have a present for you!” Diamond Tiara said as she hoofed over a a golden-colored document. “Wh--what is this?” Cadance asked. When she finally saw the print she gasped in shock, continuously re-reading the document. “I wanted to make it official, so I made some calls to Princess Sparkle, who then allowed me to speak with Celestia, aaaand let’s just say it wasn’t cheap,” Diamond Tiara giggled. “I-I can’t believe what I’m reading,” Cadance mumbled as the piece of paper fell from her grasp. “Well, believe it, Cadance. We’re officially family now!” Diamond Tiara said as she stood on her haunches and gave Cadance a peck on the cheek. Auntie Celestia...what have you done? Cadance asked herself as she picked up the document and re-read it, just to make sure it was correct. The more she read it, the more her heart sank. She had wanted to reunite with her baby sister so that they could become the family they were meant to be... But not like this. “Have a safe trip, Cadance,” Diamond Tiara said as she turned around and walked away. “Oh, and be sure to introduce me to your husband when I finally visit,” Diamond Tiara said as she turned back to Cadance, a playful smirk sprawled upon her face, “After all, I’m just dying to meet my son-in-law!” Author's Note Editing by Mudpony Pre-reading by Yukito
Epilogue“Scootaloo, are you ready yet?” Diamond Tiara asked as she put her last bag of tiara’s onto the stagecoach. “No, Mom! I can’t find Rocky!” Scootaloo said as she threw her one and only bag on the stagecoach. “How can I go out of town without him? What if he starves to death?!” Scootaloo asked. Diamond Tiara glared at her daughter and sighed. “Scootaloo, Rocky is a rock. Rocks don’t need food...they’re rocks.” “So?! What’s your point?!” Scootaloo asked. “...Apple Bloom, are you ready to leave yet?!” Diamond Tiara yelled, deciding to ignore Scootaloo for a minute or two. “Ah got everything taken care of, if that’s what yer asking,” Apple Bloom said as she got on the stagecoach and took the reigns. “Big Mac, ya ready ta take us to the train station?” “Eeyup.” “But, Dad! I can’t find Rocky!” Scootaloo complained, refusing to get on the stagecoach. Diamond swiftly turned to Scootaloo and grabbed her by the ear. “Scootaloo, for the last time, Rocky is a rock! He’ll be fine by himself!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she dragged Scootaloo inside the stagecoach. “B-but, Mom-” “Scootaloo Maria Rich, you will settle down this instant and forget about Rocky!” Diamond Tiara yelled as she forced a pouting Scootaloo to sit down. “Alright, Apple Bloom, take us to the train station.” “Yes, Ma’am!” Apple Bloom said with a salute. As Apple Bloom whipped the reigns and Big McIntosh pulled the stagecoach, Diamond Tiara sat back into her chair and smiled. “I still don’t get why we’re going to the Crystal Empire,” Scootaloo whined. “Scootaloo, sweetie, don’t you want to see your sister?” Diamond Tiara asked with a smile. “Eh, not really.” “And what about your brother-in-law?” Diamond Tiara asked once again with a smirk. “Brother-in-law? Why would I want to see him?” Scootaloo asked. She stared at her mother’s face, observing her smirk when realization dawned on her. “You’re going to give him a hard time, aren’t you?” “Oh a maliciously hard time,” Diamond Tiara chuckled as she slammed one hoof against the other. “Marrying my daughter and not invite me to the wedding?” “Mom, you didn’t adopt her until like, two days ago.” “Shining Armor, you will pay for this crime against motherhood. You. Will. Pay,” Diamond Tiara muttered as she glared in the direction of the Crystal Empire. ...Or at least she was pretty sure that was the direction. Either way in just twelve hours she would meet her son-in-law. And this was going to be one family visit he won’t soon forget. Author's Note Will Shining Armor survive through his mother-in-law's visit? Will Cadance be able to bond with her new family? And will Filthy Rich earn his rightful place as one of the main characters? Find out the answer to two of these questions in the next installment/spin off of the Mother-verse: How to be a Son-In-Law. Entering Pre-Production early next month.
