The sun shined brightly high above Ponyville, beaming down on the Twilight Sparkle's crystalline castle. In what would be considered the courtyard stood a stage with bleachers built towards the sides. Standing in the grass before the stage were over a dozen ponies, set in groups of three and dressed in uniforms.

These were the graduates. The newest ponies to complete their training and become the newest members of Princess Twilight Sparkle's Royal Guard. They have completed their training and gone through their first mission. Not all were there that day. Some had been sent back for additional training , either as individuals or as a team. Others had chosen to resign after their first time out in the field, for various reasons.

Among the graduates, three in particular stood together: Dinky Hooves, Rumble, and Diamond Tiara. Dinky's gaze shifted between the stage and the other two. Being the only one of the three who had managed to come through The Everfree unharmed, she felt the need to keep an extra eye on them (since they can't take care of themselves, she thought with a snicker).

Rumble's own eyes flicked toward Dinky as he tensed, wondering what in Equestria she was giggling to herself about now. His wings flicked, causing him to wince. The bandaged wing no longer hurt, but it still had to stay wrapped for a few more days. He was grateful that it was just twisted and sprained. If it was this annoying to have it like this, he would hate to experience what it was like to actually have it broken and in a cast for however long was necessary.

Gritting her teeth, Diamond Tiara shifted as she tried to ignore the damn itching. When the manticore's stinger had pierced her armor, it had caused the metal to twist, digging into her flank. Diamond Tiara had pulled the stinger out, but had not realized the armor was pressing into her flesh. Each step and movement had caused the sharp edges to cut and chew into her flank, and it just so happened to be right on her cutie mark. So where there had once been a diamond studded silver tiara was now a mass of black stitches, holding together the torn flesh to help it heal. Unfortunately, the cutie mark was destroyed, and she was going to have scars on her flank (a fact which reminded Diamond Tiara of a certain version of herself she saw in her dreams).

"Mares and stallions," the voice of Commander Serena called out from the stage, getting the attention of all the ponies on the ground and in the bleachers. "Today, we are gathered to celebrate these brave ponies as they start a new phase in their lives. Those of you who stand before me have chosen to become heroes, protectors, guardians. You have chose to put your lives on the line to protect this kingdom, and those who rule it. Today, you officially join the ranks of the royal guards."

A cheer went up from the audience in the bleachers as they stomped their hooves. It was cut short as Commander Serena held up a hoof, motioning for silence.

"You have been through much," the commander continued, "some more than others. Still, you have completed training individually,learned to work as a team, and even experienced what it was like to go on actual missions in the field. Through these experiences, you have shown courage, diligence, intelligence, and teamwork, and learned how valuable these skills can be. Skills and talents that will continue to develop and help you in the future. And speaking of the future: know that no matter what else happens, at this moment, you should be proud.

"And now, please welcome to the stage... Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Once again, the crowd of ponies cheered, stomping their hooves. The commander moved away from the microphone and podium, making space for the princess. Princess Twilight Sparkle adjusted the microphone and cleared her throat, waiting for the audience to calm down.

"Thank you, Commander," the princess stated before turning her full attention to the crowds.

"Thank you all for coming out here today. Not just those of you who are joining the guard, but those of you who have come to show support to these brave mares and stallions. These ponies have -- for one reason or another -- decided to take it upon themselves to protect not just me, but their homes and fellow citizens as well. While I hope that some day things can become more peaceful, I cannot deny that there are a great number of dangers in our own lands.

"On a personal note, some of you I have known for nearly your entire lives. I have watched as you went from foals playing in the schoolyard to the proud and strong mares and stallions you are today. Know that, even if nopony else is, I am proud of you. As Commander Serena said, you have shown great courage. I look forward to seeing what the future has for you. Somewhere among you could be the next Commander Hurricane, Starswirl the Bearded, or Shining Armor.

"Mares and stallions, welcome to The Royal Guard."

Once again there was a cheer. Princess Twilight Sparkle continued to stand at the stage, waiting for the ponies to calm down once more.

"Attention!" she called out, getting all the new guards to stand up straight and bring their hooves together.

"Dis-missed!" She then gave them all a salute.

All of the new guards returned the salute before moving to walk off the field. At the same time, ponies were heading out of the bleachers, most of them meeting the newly made guards to embrace and talk to them.

"This is great," Dinky said with a grin. "We're now officially guards."

"And we have some time off to celebrate," Rumble added.

"I have something that will make it better for you," Diamond Tiara said, looking at the pair while she walked. "I'm going to be spending the time away from our room. So you two can have all the..." she looked around, noticing all the families (including some with foals) "...fun... you want without having to try and get me out of the place. Or waking me up again."

"You mean they were having sex with you sleeping in the same room?" a feminine voice asked.

"Did they try to get you to join in?" a masculine voice called out.

"Thunderlane!" Dinky Hooves, Rumble, and the feminine voice all shouted.

Diamond Tiara turned to find they were joined by a gray pegasus mare with a blond mane and tail, and a charcoal gray pegasus with a pale green-blue mohawk.

"Oh," Tiara said as she looked at the pegasus mare. "You're Dinky's mom, right? Uh... I... sorry about..."

Dinky's mother smiled, one of her golden eyes looking at Diamond Tiara, and waved a hoof.

"Don't worry about it. I know about the two of them. I even have a very embarrassing story about them together if you want to hear it some time."

"I doubt she wants to hear about that," Rumble said, waving a hoof.

"I would," the dark gray stallion interjected. "Something embarrassing happened to my little brother and I was never told about it? This is a travesty. You have to tell me all about it, Derpy."

"I would actually like to hear it," Diamond Tiara responded with a grin, "but another time. I have some ponies waiting for me."

"See you later," Dinky said, giving Diamond Tiara a hug. "Have fun. And no new injuries that are going to require stitches without us."

Diamond Tiara tried to glare at Dinky over that last part. Unfortunately, the matching smiles from mother and daughter made it hard to actually keep mad.

"Considering who I'm dating," she finally replied, "I can't make any promises."

With that, she separated from Dinky. Leaving her with her mom and Rumble with his older brother, Diamond Tiara continued to make her way toward the bleachers. She scanned the crowd, looking for certain ponies, and grinned as she saw them. Excited to see them, Diamond Tiara started pushing her way through the others, weaving around groups that were already talking to each other.

Reaching her father first, she gave him a hug.

"There's my girl," Filthy Rich said, hugging her back. "You know, it's still not too late to change your mind. You can leave the guard and come work at Barnyard Bargains."

"We owe him," Business Tiara had said.

"I know," Diamond Tiara replied as she broke the hug. "But I can't. Maybe some day I'll leave and come to work for you, but not now. Now, this is something I have to do." She smirked. "Besides," -- she pointed a hoof back the way she had come -- "I'm pretty sure they wouldn't survive without me."

Turning, she hugged the approaching Apple Bloom and kissed her on the cheek.

"Considering what has happened," Filthy Rich said, "you can't blame a father for worrying. By the way, I have something for you."

Reaching into his suit, he pulled out package and held it out to her.

"Dad," Diamond Tiara sighed as she took the package, "you didn't have to do that."

"This time," Filthy Rich did, "I did."

The response piqued the curiosity of Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom. Diamond Tiara looked at the package as she removed the paper. The box -- which looked to be covered in black velvet -- had a square length and width, about the size of a necklace that had the clasp closed. Except it was too tall, three or four times the height. After stroking a hoof along the soft velvet of the top, Diamond Tiara opened the box.

The sight made Diamond Tiara gasp out, her eyes starting to tear up.

"Is that your crown?" Apple Bloom asked, staring at it.

Taking a hold of the diamond studded silver tiara, Diamond Tiara lifted it out of the box and checked the inside. Sure enough, there was the inscription, including her initials.

It had been the only thing she had with her when she left home after fighting with her father. The last time she had seen it was the day she had stormed off from Sweet Apple Acres. Since she felt like she could neither go back to the farm, nor go home, she had to do something when she needed bits for food and a place to sleep. Seeing little other choice, Diamond Tiara had taken it to a jewelry shop to see what she could get for it.

She turned to look at her father.

"How...how..."

"My secretary told me," Filthy Rich answered. "Saw the tiara in the window and mentioned it to me. Checked on it myself. Thought you would like it back."

She did like having it back. It had been a part of her life for many years. It had been her defining accessory. She had worn it for years, pretending that she was a princess.

Even when she had been more like a monster.

She held it out to her father.

"Keep it safe for me."

Filthy Rich raised an eyebrow in confusion as he took the tiara back, placing it back into the box.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Diamond Tiara answered with a nod. "I can't wear it while on duty anyways, and don't really have a place to store it. I know you'll keep it safe."

"I'll put it in my office," Filthy Rich said as he put the box away. "Think about you every time I look at it."

"Are you coming to the cook out we're havin' at the farm?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Thank you, Apple Bloom," he answered, "but I can't. You two have fun, and give your family my best. I have a train to catch for Manehattan to see Diamond Tiara's mother."

"...Mom..." Diamond Tiara whispered, eyes wide. "Why?"

"You're all grown up now," Filthy Rich told her. "You aren't going to need me any more, and Barnyard Bargains is doing fine. Plus, the house is kind of empty and lonely without you.

"I haven't seen your mother in ten years, nor talked to her in eight. It's more than time for this to change. She either needs to come back, or we need to start filing for a divorce."

He gave his daughter one last hug.

"Take good care of her," he told Apple Bloom.

"She's in good hooves," Bloom said with a smile.

The young mares watched as the older stallion walked off. Once he was out of earshot, Apple Bloom turned to Diamond Tiara.

"Your dad is going to see your mom?"

"That's what he said," Diamond Tiara replied. "Guess he's finally going to divorce her."

"You don't think she's going to come back?"

"He hasn't talked to her in eight years. I don't remember how long it has been since I have, but probably close to the same. She's not coming back."

"You okay?"

Diamond Tiara shifted, looking at Apple Bloom, then at the ground.

"...I don't know..." she finally responded.

"Come on," Apple Bloom said as she took a step forward. "Maybe a full stomach and some sympathetic ears'll make you feel better."

Diamond Tiara gave a small smile and moved to follow her. The two moved at a slow pace, side by side, as they left.

Apple Bloom suddenly stopped, ears perking up.

"Wait."

Diamond Tiara stopped, turning to look back.

"Does that mean he hasn't dated anypony in nearly a decade?"

"Like I told you," Diamond Tiara said as she resumed walking, "if he wasn't trying his best to be a good father to me, he was busy with work."

Apple Bloom smiled and moved to catch up with Diamond Tiara. The farm mare gave the new guardmare a bump with her shoulder.

"Considering how you're turning out," Apple Bloom said, "I think he did a pretty good job."

Author's Note

I'm not good at writing elaborate speeches.