TOH'S Guardian

Chapters

Chapter One—Which Tells of Disgraced Diamond Dogs
Chapter Two—Where Rarity Gets an Order to Fill and Diamond Dogs Scheme
Chapter Three—Where Discord Considers Diamond Dogs
Chapter Four—Where the Games Begin
Chapter Five—Contains More Plans and Mischief Gone Wrong
Chapter Six—Hosts Encounters and Petitions
Chapter Seven—Involves Explanations
Chapter Eight—Discusses Responsibilities and Forgiveness
Chapter Nine—Focuses on Solutions
Epilogue—Provides a Short Explanation of a Visit

Chapter One—Which Tells of Disgraced Diamond Dogs

Diamond Dogs kicked out of a pack were a sorry sight, yet Diamond Dogs exiled from the kingdom of Dimondia were even worse. That is, unless you counted Dimondia as one huge pack, which made the misery scale just a little tougher to define—and this was a tentative distinction Rover had considered countless times since he had been chased off their home territory, until his head hurt from the effort (which never took very long).

And, in the end, there were only a few things Rover’s mind managed to hold onto with any certainty:

The first included memories of being tricked by that white unicorn pony into giving up whole cartloads of precious gems, and of getting scolded by the rest of the pack for losing them (and then banished when Dimondia acquired some unicorn queen).

The second was a throbbing homesickness harder to remove than a tick.

It wasn’t all bad. Two other Diamond Dogs had been driven out with Rover. They were a tall, broad-shouldered mongrel named, “Fido,” and a scrawny bulldog called, “Spot.” Compared to them, Rover was the middle-dog in size and body composition, slimmer than Fido yet only a head taller than Spot. And the three of them stuck together because they had no one else to turn to now. Even their original mines on the outskirts of Ponyville were now off-limits. So now they wandered the land with vest pockets empty of any gems, tongues lagging and often bickering to pass the time.

Actually, Rover had to revise that opinion.

Things were pretty bad.

But at least Fido and Spot shared Rover’s desire to somehow get on the good side of their fellow Diamond Dogs and return to Dimondia—and after much head-scratching the trio had reached a certain consensus.

“We need gems,” Fido had blurted out. “Lots of gems.”

“Yes, because Diamond Dogs can’t resist gems,” Spot had agreed, hopping in place.

“But we have to find special gems that will make our fellow Diamond Dogs look favorably upon us,” Rover had declared. And then, because he prided himself on being the cleverest of them all, he added, “They must be something rare and not found anywhere else.”

In this way, the threesome had scoured Equestria, dug numerous holes that led nowhere (and fallen into them), fled from various dangers (provoked and unprovoked), howled forlornly at a several full moons (and sometimes to the accompaniment and eventual pursuit of Timberwolves), and sniffed around countless abandoned mines searching for gems unusual and precious enough to bring back to Dimondia.

Then one morning before dawn they ventured—weary, worn, and itchy—deep into the Everfree Forest and came upon a marvelous sight.
In a cavern along a ravine, there stood a radiant crystal tree that it stung their eyes to stare at for too long. Multi-colored flowers bloomed across the floor, casting pretty patterns on the craggy walls, and they were soft on their calloused paws and smelled nice.

Attached to that tree were colorful gems in odd shapes, from a small diamond to something that resembled an apple. There was also a star-shaped one at the center, in the middle of a much larger star that was part of the tree. And moving in a slow orbit around the entire thing was a large purple star.

After taking a moment to celebrate their good fortune with a tumble through the flowers (scattering petals everywhere), followed by a playful scuffle like a bunch of pups (leaving scratch marks across the stone floor), the Diamond Dogs kissed the ground before their prize in reverence to the bounty before them—which was supposedly an old custom among their kind for good luck.

All that remained was who should do the honor of plucking these gems from the branches.

“I should do it,” Rover stated, at which the other two dogs balked.

“Why do you get to do it?” Spot asked, indignant. “I was the one who saw this place first.” And this had been true, for Spot with his keen eyes had been the one to notice the glimmer of reflected light as the trio had made their way along the gorge.

Yet Rover wasn’t going to give way because of that.

“That’s because your arms are too short,” Rover reasoned, holding up his long, thick ones as an example.

“My arms are long,” Fido interjected. “And I am bigger than you. So I guess that means I’ll get the gems.” He clapped his paws, tee-heed, and reached up for the butterfly-shaped jewel.

Only to have Rover slap away his paw.

“Hey!” Fido barked. “What’d you do that for? That hurt.”

“Because I’m collecting the gems,” Rover insisted.

“No, you’re not,” Spot interjected. “You may have long arms, but I am a good climber. You can’t climb at all, so you couldn’t reach them even if you tried.” He sneered in triumph, which was more than Rover could stand.

What followed was a much rougher rumble in the cavern, with much biting and snarling. That is, until a bright flash interrupted their intense brawl. Rover noticed—while trying to chew on Fido’s leg—that this came from the entrance rather than the sparkling tree nearby (although even then he might otherwise have dismissed this in order to continue the fight). But then an odd oppression also entered the air, which made the fur stand up along the back of Rover’s neck and caused him to become cautious. It was the same type of reaction he underwent at an impending landslide, which he could somehow sense but not entirely explain.

Yet his fellow Diamond Dogs had apparently noted the flash and change in the air as well, and so it was that Rover, Fido, and Spot paused at about the same time and turned their attention to the cavern mouth—where they saw a figure taller than Fido, and (at the moment) shrouded in shadow, beginning to enter.

Wings stretched out on either side of the creature, a small wisp of what could have been smoke trailed upwards (although it smelled kind of peculiar), and it lifted its head and gave a great, scratchy snarl. Then it lifted what appeared a claw.

However, Rover didn’t strain for more details, for he now had a sneaking suspicious he knew what they were up against.

And just like that, the Diamond Dogs couldn’t get out of the cave fast enough, scrambling over each other in the process and racing past the beast, who thankfully was too slow to give chase.

None of the Diamond Dogs looked back, though it might have saved them some trouble if they had.

For standing in the entrance, in a pink housecoat and bunny slippers, was a groggy Discord—holding a mug of steaming tea and half-covering a rasping yawn with his griffin claw.

Author's Note

According to MLP: FIM Friends Forever comic #6, these Diamond Dogs had been kicked out of the Kingdom of Dimondia, so I kind of wanted to do a story exploring them a bit more. Hopefully, they come across well and you enjoy this interpretation of them. ^_^

But a lot of this tale is also going to involve the interaction between Rarity and Discord.

Chapter Two—Where Rarity Gets an Order to Fill and Diamond Dogs Scheme

Around the same time the Diamond Dogs were fleeing from the cavern, the clock on Rarity’s bedside table filled her room with its shrill alarm. This sent the unicorn toppling backwards in an unsophisticated manner from the stool at her work desk, where she realized with some shame (though relief no pony else had seen) that she had once again fallen asleep while sketching out the designs for her latest fashion line. This had happened with great frequency over the last several days, as orders for various clients had piled up for her to complete. The spring was among the busiest times for her business, and ponies from far away as picturesque Canterlot had submitted requests for her couture.

As always, Rarity took pride in keeping busy and having a steady stream of clientele to satisfy. In fact, this stream seemed to have swelled to a flood ever since the emergence of her friend Twilight’s new palace. Truly, the castle was such a marvel and brought to mind numerous ideas for rainbow-themed ware. And Rarity had worked on this line in her spare time—often late into the night—to wow every pony with what was sure to become a new trend.

However, what was making things just the tiniest bit harder was the fact most of her current clients wanted fashions that depended on great amounts of gems from sequins to fire rubies. This meant numerous trips to, and hours in, the hills on the outskirts of Ponyville to find gems of all kinds. Even with sweet Spikey-Wikey tagging along to help out and dig them up, Rarity only just managed to stay on schedule, which was beginning to resemble Twilight’s in its complexity and length.

Juggling these trips and clients’ demands, Rarity found she barely had any opportunity to work on her own personal project.
Unfortunately, it couldn’t be helped, and sooner or later the flow would ebb as it always did. In fact, just last evening she had made a huge delivery that would free up her schedule for at least a two-day window, even if Rarity would have to make yet another trip for more gems. So she had decided to get up early to make the most of her spare time.

Rarity’s stomach grumbled a complaint as she repositioned the stool at the work desk and turned off the alarm.

But first, she would need some much needed breakfast—after fixing up her makeup, of course.

With this done, Rarity galloped downstairs to her kitchen, taking care to slow her pace to soft hoof falls when passing Opalescence’s basket just inside the laundry room. Her fluffy white cat lay so sweetly, stretched halfway out of bed with her head touching the floor and chewing on the head her toy mouse. She was just such a darling, even if she startled easily sometimes. For instance, on more than one occasion Rarity had seen Opal in her current position and tried to tuck her back into bed—only to have the poor dear lash out at her in a hissing storm. And then afterwards, Rarity wouldn’t see Opal again for most of the day.

So Rarity just left Opal in peace and set about putting together a scrumptious meal of eggs and pancakes with a small sprig of parsley on top in just the right place.

Afterwards, she went to collect the newspaper usually on her front doorstep by that point, to enjoy a little leisurely reading material while eating.

Everything was moving at a nice and routine pace, without any needless drama for a change.

This made it all the more unsettling when, upon opening her front door, Rarity perceived the mail pony rushing headlong at her with a letter in her mouth.

“Whoa-ho-ho-a!” The exclamation burst free before the cross-eyed Derpy Hooves smacked into Rarity—and while still dazed, laying there on the floor, she had the vague impression of the carrier saluting her, placing the letter in her hoof, tipping her cap, and saying:

“Special delivery, Ma’am.” Before tottering out the door and flying away at her usual odd angle.

When Rarity came back to her senses, smoothing down her curly purple mane and closing the door against further unwelcome visitors, she finally had the chance to consider the letter—only to gasp in astonishment. For she recognized the fine, curvy print on the envelope long before reading the name.

Sapphire Shores, the famous singer (and one of her most important clients), must have sent her personal request.

Delving into the contents only confirmed it:

To My Favorite Designer,

Rarity, I hope you’re staying trendy. Sapphire Shores is rocking Equestria from coast to coast and has especially good news to report that you’ll know before any pony else: I’m set to do a special performance in my hometown of Coltanta next month and have come to you for the perfect fashion to make a scene. I’ll be passing though Ponyville in two weeks to meet up and collect your happening selection. So I will leave everything in your capable hooves. Just be sure to make whatever it is bold, unique, and inspirational as always.

~Sapphire Shores

The letter set Rarity’s thoughts in a whirl. Sapphire Shores needed a whole new fashion line to make the best impression in her hometown—but what an opportunity! It was an honor that the diva trusted Rarity enough to share such confidential information with her before any pony else, and for sure she would need to take her friends when the event took place. Coltanta lay right along the coast, with vast stretches of beaches, resorts, and all manner of high-class ponies (specifically during the summer). In fact, next month summer was due to start, which would be simply perfect.

Her friends had been working so hard. They deserved a vacation, and perhaps Rarity did as well. Fluttershy had her natural observations in the Everfree Forest. Twilight had her studies. Rainbow Dash was always practicing her moves and getting called for Wonderbolt-related duties. Applejack toiled at Sweet Apple Acres. And Pinkie Pie (despite her seemingly boundless enthusiasm and energy) could use a small break from her party planning.

Furthermore—

“Idea!” Rarity exclaimed as the concept came to her. Of course, this was the chance she had needed to go ahead on her personal project of the rainbow-themed fashion line. Combined with a certain crystal motif, Sapphire Shores would get to enjoy a stunning variety of vibrant colors in the costumes at her show. It would make the perfect statement in Coltanta and help to spread word across Equestria. Orders might come flooding in even more than they did now, but it would all be worth it to help ponies look fabulous.

Now she couldn’t stand still. Teeming with her plans, Rarity trotted upstairs to gather her supplies. She would need various gems to help get the accents just right—and perhaps she should get a fair sketch of the Tree of Harmony first, and to be in its presence for an extra boost of creative inspiration.

Ooh. And some petals from those peculiar flowers would be perfect too, if she could replicate their delicious scent.

Rarity laughed in her glee, sliding her sketchbook in her saddlebag along with various other supplies. A sun bonnet would do for the walk to the cavern, since it appeared like it would be a pleasant day outside. The warmth of Princess Celestia’s sun came through the window, combined with the hint of a breeze, and made Rarity sigh with pleasure. But to trek through all the dirt and muck that might lay in wait in the Everfree Forest, she put on boots. Sunglasses would serve to reduce the glare.

And a silken pink scarf about the neck added the perfect final touch to her outfit.

There.

Rarity was ready.

Opal sauntered out of the laundry room as Rarity descended the stairs, apparently having been awoken by all the sudden activity (or maybe just because she felt like it).

“Now, Opal,” Rarity said. “I’m going out to begin work on a new project for none other than Sapphire Shores, but don’t worry. It shouldn’t take too long, and I will be back by nightfall.”

Opal sniffed, as if in confirmation.

“Tree of Harmony, here I come.” Rarity headed out—

Then her stomach rumbled, quite loudly, and she blushed.

“Oops.” Rarity said, coming back inside to have her breakfast.

***

Meanwhile, the Diamond Dogs were feeling somewhat less enthused as daylight overtook them. They now perched on the edge of the gorge, panting and gasping at the predicament each felt he had narrowly escaped intact. Such fear had kept them running in a way the dogs had thought themselves too weary to manage.

But being scared was a powerful motivator.

At the same time, however, the distance and lack of pursuit had already taken an edge off the danger. They had been so close to their goal. In fact, Rover was even beginning to feel a bit foolish at how he had run away so quickly (though the fact Spot had scampered the fastest among them was a bit of consolation)—and he glared down at the cavern, where he could still see the faint glimmer of light.

And then a strange creature emerged into full view, stretching, with odd disjointed parts and making all matter of echoing crackling noises (like bones snapping mixed with beeping sounds).

“What a terrifying monster!” Spot said at last, trying to keep low.

“I thought we were done for,” Fido wheezed. “What is that thing?”

“Argh! Isn’t it obvious?” Rover spoke up, unable to believe the ignorance of his brother dogs. “It’s a dragon!”

“A dragon?” This came from both Spot and Fido.

“Are you sure?” Fido asked. “Aren’t dragons bigger?” He raised his arms and spread them apart as if this might illustrate his point.

“You mean ‘larger’.” Spot corrected, although he didn’t sound sure on this point. “But you’re right. It is too small for a dragon.”

Ugh. They were back to discussing sizes again. That was what had gotten them into trouble before. Well, it was time for Rover to assert his own reasoning as their self-imposed leader.

“Let’s be smart about this.” Rover patted his head. “Dragons live in caves, right?”

“Right.” The Diamond Dogs agreed, for none among them had ever heard of dragons living anywhere but in caves.

“And dragons protect hoards.”

“Right.” Fido and Spot were still with Rover, who felt confidence growing the longer they seemed focused on him without interruption.

“Then it only makes sense how down in that cavern—” Here Rover pointed at the offending cave, “is a dragon protecting those valuable gemstones, and that’s the dragon.” He indicated the creature with a paw wave.

“Ooooooh.” Fido was clearly convinced, yet Spot still seemed to have his doubts.

“I don’t know. It’s true it is kind of like a dragon, but something is weird. It almost looks as if it has different animal parts. And whiff the air.” Here Spot took a deep whiff, alongside Fido and Rover.

And Rover did have to admit there was something off about this designated “dragon.” Most dragons smelled of sulfur, smoke, and similar fragrances. But what he smelled, when Rover really took the time to do so, was closer to the Everfree Forest, fresh soil, and—what he almost wanted to say were baked goods. There was the barest trace of smoke, but nothing close to the odor of a conventional dragon. So he could kind of see Spot’s point.

However, it had to be a dragon—because if this wasn’t a dragon, what was it? The uncertainty turned Rover’s stomach.

“Ah,” Fido groaned. “I guess we have to give up.”

“What? No!” Rover insisted. “We’ve come too far to give up now. Besides, where else would we go?”

The other Diamond Dogs fell silent at this, and Rover understood they knew (as he did) that walking away from these gems would signal surrender. Surely, they would never find anything more unique to bring back to Dimondia and have to remain in exile forever.
Rover could see Fido and Spot bowing their heads, giving off faint whines, and clearly despairing at this possibility.

But no.

A Diamond Dog never let a golden opportunity just slip past without a fight. They held onto it for all they were worth, snarling and challenging any dog that tried to take it away.

By the same token, they would get those gems.

“Stop whimpering, Diamond Dogs,” Rover declared. “Our ancestors have gotten through tougher patches, and I have heard of a few ways to take care of dragons and get past them.” This time, neither Fido nor Spot chose to persist in questioning the identity of the creature down below. Instead, they watched Rover with rekindling hope. “Follow my lead, and we’ll get those gems, no matter if the dragon spits flames at us or comes after us with his terrible claws. And we’ll go home heroes.”

At this, Fido and Spot rose up, giving a hearty:

“Here, here!”

And Rover grimaced in satisfaction.

That dragon didn’t stand a chance.

Author's Note

Hopefully, this is developing well. ^_^

Chapter Three—Where Discord Considers Diamond Dogs

Diamond Dogs.

Their main problem, on the whole, stemmed from an utter lack of self-control and poor observational skills. They tended to be a rowdy bunch, though gullible and about as inconspicuous as an avalanche even when trying to act sneaky. That much was evident from the three Diamond Dogs dancing in plain sight along the upper reaches of the gorge, with their rueful yaps echoing down to Discord as he stretched and massaged the stiffness from his joints. They did not even seem to notice when he produced binoculars to view them in better detail, with their lagging tongues and unfocused eyes—clearly celebrating despite having scrambled from the cavern like some monster was biting at their heels all the while.

There was something to be said for creatures able to bounce back that quickly, controlled by such instincts as biting first and asking questions later or not bothered too much by setbacks—much like crabs or rabid wombats—guileless and simple to figure out. So if you knew how to evade their sharp claws or the brunt of their short tempers, it was possible to have all sorts of fun with them.

But they truly had strayed far from their roots, to not to be able to identify and actually go after the Elements.

Their ancestors would have known better.

***

Diamond Dogs had once lived throughout the Appaloosan Mountain Ranges far to the North, centuries ago, and were among the oldest races in Equestria. During this period, they were renowned for being natural mineralogists and had had noses keen enough to detect gems through several layers of bedrock. They had maintained an obsession for minerals of all kinds but done more with this natural tendency than mine or collect them (although this was at the core of their operations). For instance, more than a few had learned how to grind-up their findings to use in place of a flame for lantern light (among various other uses) while underground or dabbled in alchemy.

In other words, they had showed more innovative capabilities, which had drawn Discord’s attention—even if he took any number of opportunities to mess with their concoctions for fun and play to their fears of monsters possibly lurking in the deeper and darker tunnels. For they were pretty superstitious and quick to reach assumptions in the most irrational and hilarious ways.

Because of Discord, the Diamond Dogs whispered of demons who came from behind and tickled one under the arm—only to disappear before he or she could see them. Or, who carried off lantern lights, made haunting laughing sounds down the mining shafts, and took on the shapes of other Diamond Dogs to lead pack members astray.

And Discord had done many of these things (among other small pranks). However, to listen to those dogs, it was as if he constantly followed hapless miners and proceeded to drive them mad in every imaginable way—including the ones Discord had never seen before. He had even wound up taking notes for certain supposed tricks for future reference.

They were a prankster’s goldmine.

With this said, they entertained Discord so much he might have stuck around there longer. However, he could never stand the mines for too long. It seemed then, as now, being surrounded by stone made him a bit claustrophobic. He far preferred board vistas of open skies and the chaotic wilderness to all that.

But in the time he had spent around them, Discord did manage to pick up a few interesting tidbits about their history, discussed by pack members during many a late evening or mealtime.

How the Diamond Dogs had acquired a taste for gemstones was still a mystery even to him, though taken for granted by their strongest advocates. Yet according to one legend (now long since forgotten), dragons had apparently enslaved the Diamond Dogs’ ancestors to mine the gems for their hoards—until two clever dogs by the names of “Ziggy” and “Stardust” had staged a rebellion involving various tunneling techniques (cave-ins, and the like) that effectively drove out their dragon oppressors and made the Appaloosan Mountains their home territory (which Discord had to applaud).

What had happened since then to drive most of them out of the mountains, and reduced them to their current state (with some becoming poachers), Discord couldn’t have said due to his 1,001-year entombment—although it probably had something to do with one Diamond Dog getting too greedy and trying to impose himself or herself over the others, which would have led to their ruination through internal strife.

Discord had witnessed enough civilizations fall—and more than a few with his help—to understand how those types of things turned out in the end.

***

Despite his good times, though, Discord had to admit he was not exactly in the best of moods to deal with their kind given the present circumstances.

He yawned again, rubbing a lingering sore spot behind his goat horn. There were also several muscles along his neck and back that took him longer to unknot, given the long night he had had abroad at Princess Celestia’s request—not to mention all the other things he had been up to during the past weeks beyond his usual idle mischief making.

It had been somewhat jarring to start drifting off to sleep at last, only to sense the Tree of Harmony in possible all the way across Equestria. His body hadn’t quivered as it usually did when a magical imbalance was in process (which was an entirely different matter nowadays that kept him flitting about from place to place).

No. The alert for TOH (short for the “Tree of Harmony”) had involved a ticklish sensation that caused Discord to shiver, tinged with a subtle warmth and flash of light in his eyes.

Argh.

Things had been so much easier when Discord simply drifted about Equestria right after his initial reformation, without a lot to do except enjoy himself and play jokes on the ponies he crossed. He still wandered the land in this way for the most part, but now there were also actual responsibilities to uphold, friendships to maintain, and bigger things for which to prepare—especially after Twilight had brought him back into Harmony and helped to activate the second star now circling TOH.

Since then, it felt like Discord was more connected to everything. Or, at least, to the Everfree Forest and more powerful magical forces in the land. He was suddenly aware of unicorns having overloads and taking out whole sections of copses, or magically-enhanced beasts rampaging through towns, or even when some pony stumbled across dangerous artifacts. It was a lot to absorb, at times, and a bit dizzying because all these events felt somewhat piled onto him.

This was due to the fragile balance of different forces in Equestria, which most ponies had no idea about most of the time.

“Not that I’m complaining,” he said aloud to TOH, who gave off a jingling symphony as if in response. “I prefer things as they are now, although perhaps a little help might be forthcoming.” While saying this, Discord gazed upon the central Element in the shape of a star upon the tree, before taking in the other Elements upon the branches—and particularly the butterfly-shaped one connected to dear, sweet Fluttershy.

Drifting to the spot, Discord reached out his lion’s paw and gently touched it.

And instantly, it was as if Discord had returned to his most recent tea party with Fluttershy, sipping chamomile tea as only she could do just right and listening to her discuss her trips into the Everfree Forest—as part of her continuing studies of the native Timberwolves population.

Next, memories of listening to her sweet lullabies came to mind, and enjoying their slumber parties, and so on with one detail following another of their times spent together.

So kind.

Discord wasn’t sure how long he hung there—and probably with a dazed, happy look on his face—but then he drew his paw back.

How curious. He had had no idea he could do that.

The process had even revitalized him a bit. His neck didn’t ache at all now.

Interesting.

In fact, he was just about to experiment by touching another Element to see what memories would pop up when he heard a whistle come from outside. And turning about, he saw a very small gem—the type easily dug from the earth—laying almost right outside the cavern.

Then there was another one further one, and another one, and another one. He could discern the trial leading up to a section of the gorge with leaves newly piled on top and around it.

He had to admit, the Diamond Dogs worked quickly, or perhaps receiving the memories from the Element of Kindness had taken longer than Discord had perceived. But, in any case, the intention of the plan was clear enough.

Peering outside, Discord saw yet another hole had been dug closer to the craggy wall of the gorge, where no doubt those Diamond Dogs were hiding and hoping he would follow after those gems like a—

Discord paused, taking in the implications.

Like a dragon.

That was a new one, though amusing enough.

Even so, these Diamond Dogs had interrupted a perfectly delightful moment, after a stressful and restless night.

Oh, well.

Playing around with Diamond Dogs had always been somewhat relaxing.

So why shouldn’t Discord would take them up on their game and have a little fun?

Author's Note

^_^

Chapter Four—Where the Games Begin

From their hole near the gorge wall, Rover huddled with his fellow dogs—who were already growing restless and shifting on their haunches. Fido twitched on occasion, but Spot was like a bouncing teakettle, ready to pop from the steam pressure inside. He even made low puffing sounds, which reminded Rover of his dear Granny Woof-Woof (who had found a way of polishing gems by boiling them and also well-known for her stone soups).

Good old Granny Woof-Woof, with such an accurate aim that it was her trademark to hit targets right between the eyes. And Rover could still feel the impression of the polished granite stone she had thrown while the pack members had chased him away from Dimondia, as a final farewell only Granny could deliver. He still had her gift in his vest pocket and reached in to touch its nice smoothness.

Ah. Being at the bottom of a dark hole put things into perspective. And it wouldn’t be long now until they went back, if all went according to plan.

“I can’t take it anymore,” Spot burst out at last. “What’s happening up there? Is the dragon taking the bait?”

“Okay,” Fido agreed, laughing and clapping his huge paws as if they were about to turn over a rock with possible treasures underneath. “Let’s go see.”

“Quiet!” Rover snapped at them both. “We have to do this just right, or else the dragon will know we’re here and the whole plan will be ruined. And you don’t want to ruin the plan, do you?”

“Oops. Sorry.” Fido slapped his large paws over his own mouth.

“Now help me up,” Rover said, and Fido helped him to clamber up the side of the hole.

Spot, meanwhile, climbed up on his own and shot Rover what he took as an arrogant look on the way past that might have started another fight if they were not all still interested in what was happening in the gorge.

They did not have long to wait before the dragon left the cave. Actually, it was more like he sauntered out of it. He was even stranger up close than when farther away, and as Spot had pointed out he seemed a mix-up of different animal parts all stuck together. It must have been some mutant dragon—Rover guessed—or maybe some other accident of nature. He had heard of weirder-looking dragons, including one supposedly covered in gemstones, who could never look straight ahead and slow as a slug even with its many legs.

Rover wasn’t used to using his imagination, but if there was a dragon like that in the world, it was only fair that one like what he was seeing now.

And as if to confirm his suspicious, the dragon made a show of belching green fire into the air before bending down to gather up the gems one-by-one. He moved slowly, taking his time though looking a bit irritated as most dragons did at being disturbed even for treasures like those stones.

As he got further along, and closer to the hole they had expertly hid under a collection of leaves and twigs, though, Fido and Spot almost gave them away.

“He’s going to fall in,” Fido announced.

At which Spot barked back:

“Be quiet!”

Then they had to duck down low, as the dragon’s ears perked, he paused in his gem-gathering, and then glanced over in their direction.

The Diamond Dogs held their breaths for so long they almost passed out. Yet then the dragon finally turned back to his task.

Good. He hadn’t seen them, no thanks to Rover’s brother dogs.

But now the dragon was almost to the hole, inching closer and taking forever to get there. His odd bat-like and bird wing fluttered at little when he gathered the second to last one (with the final gem laying right on top of their trap).

Those wings were so small compared to the dragon, Rover had betted he couldn’t even fly, which was one reason he had gone with the pitfall trap.

However, even if the creature could get airborne, there was another nasty surprise waiting for him at the bottom.

Rover cackled, despite himself as the dragon stepped onto the branches and went plummeting straight down.

“We got him!” The Diamond Dogs cheered together, hopping out of their hole and howling in triumph.

“One of Rover’s plans actually worked,” Spot declared.

“Hey,” Rover shot back, the fur bristling on the back of his neck. “My plans are always perfect.”

“Humph,” Spot suddenly scoffed. “Name one.”

With their victory assured, the feud between Spot and Rover might have started right where it left off in the cavern.

That is, until Fido spoke up:
“Hey, guys. I don’t hear the dragon.”

Rover and Spot stopped and listened.

Fido was right for once.

Even if the dragon had fallen into the hole, they should have heard furious noises like snarls or growls coming from down in it. Flames should have been spewing out into the open air. They should have heard something.

Anything.

But there was nothing.

“Spot, go check on the dragon,” Rover ordered, realizing he sounded uneasy but not caring.

“Why me?” Spot returned, knees knocking together. “This was your plan. You should do it.”

The two glared at each other for a moment, and then did the next best thing:

“Fido, go look in the hole,” Rover said.

“Yeah. See if the dragon is okay,” Spot added.

And Fido, as always amid these stalemates, agreed.

“Okay. I’ll go check on the dragon.” Fido practically pranced over to the hole, beginning to say, “Mr. Dragon, are you all—” Then he paused, eyes bulging in surprise. As Rover and Spot watched, Fido started to slobber.

And why did he look so happy, all of a sudden?

But it was Spot who asked the question:

“What are you doing?”

“Hey dogs, you should see all the great gems in here. They’re big and pretty,” Fido said.

“Of course, there are gems down there,” Rover retorted, drawing closer despite it all. “They were part of our plan. And what about the dragon?”

“The dragon isn’t here,” Fido insisted, which made Rover and Spot start. “But these gems are much bigger and shiner than the ones we put out.”

This news made Rover and Spot dart over to Fido’s side at the hole, where they saw he had told the truth.

The dragon was nowhere in sight. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

Yet in his place—or where he should have been—there were a heap of large, rare gems from Fire Rubies to Baby Blue Sapphires. And all of them sat upon a silken pillow on what appeared a wooden board on the bottom.

“Ooooooooh.” The three Diamond Dogs said in unison, and Rover forgot all about the strange disappearance of the dragon or even his plans (as did his brother dogs). Instead, his thoughts involved stuffing his pockets full of those great gemstones.

And before he knew it, Rover was down in the hole alongside Fido and Spot, grabbing at the bounty and barking in pleasure.

It was only then that some odd sense told Rover they were in trouble. The wooden board beneath them lowered ever-so-slightly, and he paused just long enough to hear the sounds of something tensing underneath.

Where had Rover heard that kind of sound before?

Spoing!

And then they were sailing through the skies.

***

The spring beneath the wooden board released at a snap of the fingers, sending the Diamond Dogs shooting out of the ground like rockets. Discord put on sunglasses so he would not have to squint while watching them pass over the gorge, and the Everfree Forest. Depending on how much of the treasure they had greedily shoved into their pockets, they should land at different points in the woods. So if those dogs had gone up without touching a single gemstone, the launch should have carried them to a nice soft bunch of moss that would have been like landing on a bunch of feathered pillows. They would have walked away with nothing less than rattled nerves.

Unfortunately, the Diamond Dogs were true to their natures and had wasted no time in grabbing all the gems they could. So as a result, they went to quite a different and much rougher part of the forest. Discord judged it would have been in the briar patch where the Briar Rabbits lived. Like Timberwolves, these creatures consisted of bits from the forest, though thankfully they only stuck to their patches and would attach themselves to any pony foolish enough to enter their territory (forced or otherwise).

So that was that.

Mischief managed.

However, Discord did not quite get the same thrill from their expulsion as he had when tormenting their kind in the Appaloosan Mountain Ranges ages ago. And this was probably because of his conscience prickling him just a like the briars the Diamond Dogs should be experiencing at that moment—or, namely, what Fluttershy might have reacted if she been around to see his short nostalgia trip.

“Discord, how could you do something so nasty?” Fluttershy would probably have said. “You know better.”

But it wasn’t like Discord had failed to consider this fact and not tried to give the Diamond Dogs a sporting chance to leave without incident. Besides, perhaps falling in the briar patch would teach them a valuable lesson about stealing from the Tree of Harmony, and Fluttershy (like the other ponies) were big on learning lessons.

In any case, now he was free to do as he pleased again, and a contented weariness tugged at him.

Sleep.

That sounded good.

So Discord returned to the cavern and willed a fine bed of clouds to appear in the warmth of TOH’s radiance, flopping onto this lighter-than-air mattress, stretching out, and drifting off to sleep.

Author's Note

Crisis averted, or is it?

Chapter Five—Contains More Plans and Mischief Gone Wrong

The Diamond Dogs escaped from the briar patch in a confused tumble, covered in scratches and bemoaning the numerous tears in their vests (especially the pockets, which would make holding onto gemstones much harder). And in fact, they had lost these minerals somewhere in the process, although Rover could not have said whether this happened while fending off the briar rabbits that had clung to them for most of the trip out or while sailing through the air to their painful destination.

“What now? And, more importantly, what happened?” Spot groaned, as the trio limped away from the patch—shooting cautious looks back in case one of the briar rabbits chose to pursue them (which they, thankfully, failed to do). And it was proof of how bad he felt that he looked to Rover for this answer, rather than try to start another argument. “Somehow we got ejected from our own pitfall trip, and the gems disappeared! Then there was the missing dragon. We saw him fall in, but he wasn’t in there.”

But Rover didn’t have any answers, since he was still himself was still trying to figure out how a spring had gotten into the trap—or how his plan had gone so wrong.

“He’s a magic dragon,” Fido said, with such odd insight it made the other dogs freeze in their tracks and stare at him in confusion. Then he burped and started scratching under one particularly stinky armpit.

Magic.

That would explain how the dragon disappeared, and even how those precious gemstones had wound up in the hole for them to find.

And then it began to dawn on Rover that the dragon might have tricked them.

Outsmarted by a stupid dragon. Something about that thought seemed insulting to his pride as a Diamond Dog, and stirred his imagination for the second time that day—in which Rover could practically see the creature standing in back in the gorge, and laughing at him in terrible glee.

This image was like the thorn driven into his foot, which didn’t let up even when Rover managed to get the latter out with a stinging yank.

“How dare he laugh at me,” Rover snarled. “We’ll show him who is in charge!”

“I think he already did,” Spot was grim-faced. “And what are we supposed to do against magic?”

“Oooh. I know,” Fido perked up. “If he’s magic, why don’t we ask him to give us gems to take to Dimondia?”

“Are you insane?” Rover burst out. “He’s a dragon. And Dragons don’t give gems away or help Diamond Dogs.”

“Why not?” Fido asked.

“They’re too greedy, and it just isn’t done,” Rover said, unable to say exactly why it wasn’t done. But whenever Fido asked these bothersome questions related to what he had said, telling him that was how things worked always helped to quiet him—as it did now.

“If you say so,” Fido replied, with clear confidence.

“Well, we’re going back here,” Rover declared at last. “And this time, the dragon won’t be able see us coming.” For it had occurred to him how the dragon had scanned the gorge, after Fido and Spot made such a commotion in their hiding place. Perhaps his brother dogs had given them away after all. That had to be the only explanation of how Rover’s brilliant plan could have failed. “We’ll sneak right past him, quietly. And it won’t matter if he has magic.”

Then, sensing some hesitation on the parts of Fido and Spot, Rover appealed to their pride:

“We’ll prove no dragon is smarter than a Diamond Dog.”

And it worked—or, at least, Fido and Spot gave resigned yips in reply, which was good enough for him.

***

Discord awoke too soon afterwards to another ticklish alert from TOH, dazed and with the distinct sensation of having been yanked for a fascinating dream—though it was one he, sadly, had already forgotten. The only part he could remember at all was the bright light engulfing him, and now he was once more in the cavern stretched upon his clouds, wanting nothing more than to close his eyes and drift off back to sleep.

But he couldn’t, because those Diamond Dogs were tunneling under the cavern. Discord could sense them drawing close to TOH’s roots (which extended deep into the earth). However, one did not need magic to see their progress. They hadn’t had the foresight to dig deep enough to avoid pushing the stones of the floor up in a lined path towards the tree—which made him sigh anew at how their kind had changed over the years.

Even so, he almost wondered if this was nothing more than another part of his dream, because surely even Diamond Dogs wouldn’t be so foolish as to keep returning to try stealing the Elements of Harmony after that briar patch incident.

If they had, it showed a persistence Discord had to admire despite it all.

Still, he had to stop them.

With a snap of the fingers, a great shovel materialized in the air, came to hover over the cavern floor in the path of the tunneling, and shot into the ground at just the right moment.

Bang!

The handle of the shovel twanged with the impact, and he heard sharp yipping noise from whichever dog had been in front—and who emerged from the stones alongside his fellow pack members, rubbing his head before staring up at Discord as if he were some dreadful monster ready to tear off their heads. His paws were already raising as if to shield himself from such an attack.

This was one thing that had not changed during the centuries gone by, whether or not these Diamond Dogs knew the legend regarding their kind and dragons—and they cowered in the same way as their ancestors most likely had before the revolution.

Or, it could have been because Discord probably didn’t look all that agreeable at the moment (and who would when roused by intruders?), standing over and staring down at them.

Regardless, Discord was tired of ponies (or Diamond Dogs) being scared of him. That time was past. He had reformed, in more ways than one.

So instead, he decided to give these Diamond Dogs another chance—lifting them from the floor with magic and speaking in a firm yet straightforward manner. There was no booming voice involved, or tightening of his grip on them. Discord strove to be gentle in this, though concise as well:

“Listen well. Behind me is the Tree of Harmony, and the gems upon its branches are not yours to take. They are powerful elements meant only for a select few. So you had best stick to your mines or reserves elsewhere for your minerals.” Discord set them down, gently as possible before repairing the floor. “Understood?”

“But we need gems,” the largest of the Diamond Dogs said, while the other two simply continued to stare at him. They seemed frozen in place. “Lots of rare gems.”

“There are plenty of gems just past the Pie Rock Farm outside Ponyville. I can even tell you where to uncover one particular vein of enormous and rare fire rubies.”

“Gee. Thank you, Mr. Dragon.” Now the same Diamond Dog was beaming in delight, which Discord found he liked very much. The gesture made him look like a happy puppy. “Thank you, Mr. Dragon. That’s real nice.”

“Discord, if you please.”

“Thank you, Mr. Discord.”

Well, that was close enough, and Discord went on to relate to the Diamond Dogs the exact location of the promised vein of fire rubies beyond Ponyville. Then they left the cavern, with the largest Diamond Dog bidding him farewell and the others tagging along in silent bewilderment.

All right.

That was that (again). Perhaps now the Diamond Dogs would leave the cavern and him alone. In fact, as Discord watched them move up the stone staircase at the end of the gorge, he tugged on his beard and chuckled softly.

Maybe he should have spoken to them from the beginning. It may have made things easier. And despite their appearances, they did appear to be reasonable creatures (no matter how they differed from their ancestors).

So he counted the experience as a lesson learned for himself and good deed performed, flopped onto his bed of clouds, and drifted back off to sleep.

***

“That was humiliating,” Spot grumbled, when they had reached the safety of the forest trees once again. “I thought you said the dragon wasn’t supposed to have seen us coming, Rover.” The dog crinkled his nose in distaste, glaring at Rover out of the side of his eye while rubbing raw paws. Apparently, these still hurt him—not that each one of them were not smarting from what had happened so far that morning. “So much for another of your plans.”

“Be quiet,” Rover growled in response. “I don’t see you coming up with anything.”

Spot started to rise as if in challenge when Fido interrupted:

“But it worked just fine, and he was an awfully nice dragon.” Fido’s tail wagged. “Let’s go.” And he seemed ready to stride off to do exactly that. But Rover grabbed ahold of him.

“What are you doing?” Rover said.

“Going to that place Mr. Discord talked about, with the fire rubies.”

“You fool. That was probably just another trick to get us to leave!”

“A trick? I don’t know, Rover. He seemed to be telling the truth.”

“You actually believed what a dragon said, especially after what he did to us?”

“Well—”

“I do think he was telling the truth about one thing, at least,” Spot broke in at that moment, paws rubbing together like he usually did when he thought he was onto something big (which wasn’t that often; or, at least, not as often as Rover). “That dragon—”

“Mr. Discord,” Fido corrected him.

“Thing,” Spot pressed on, “said those gems were for a special few. They must be the only ones, which makes them all the more valuable for us. We could get fire rubies anytime, but no Diamond Dog would have what’s in that cave.”

Rover, for once, found himself agreeing with Spot. It seemed that in this matter, they were true comrades and decided on pursuing those gems until they could deliver them to the Kingdom of Dimondia. Fido was too dim to understand how commonplace fire rubies were, even if the dragon had promised them “enormous” ones.

Besides, what Fido also didn’t understand was how the matter had turned into something more important than simply getting “rare gems.” It invoked their principles and pride as Diamond Dogs, which the dragon had stung several times without much effort at all, making Rover feel powerless each time—before trying to trick them again into traveling all the way past Ponyville and abandoning these precious gems for other Diamond Dogs to possibly come along and take.

No.

Rover wasn’t about to get tricked again. That dragon had fooled them too many times already.

“And I have the perfect idea of how to get rid of that dragon,” Spot said at last, cackling. “While we collect those gems.”

***

“Hey guys?” Fido said, not too long afterwards. “Are you sure this is okay? It feels wrong. What if Mr. Discord gets mad?”

“Oh, stop thinking about that dragon,” Spot snapped, “and keep ahold of the vines.”

The trio now stood a ways beyond the cavern, at the bottom of the gorge steps. They could see where the dragon lay snoring away upon the clouds in front of where their prize and goal hung—which was not more than a stone’s throw away.

Or, in this case, a stone’s shot away. For they had managed to put together a sort of ramshackle slingshot of sorts under Spot’s direction. And Rover had to admit that building things (especially makeshift devices) was something Spot did better at than he did. They had used a series of sturdy branches and made the actual sling out of vines. According to Spot, it was supposed to work perfectly, sending a hard stone or peddle right at the dragon.

“If all goes well, it will knock him out even more than he already is,” Spot said, “and he won’t be able to wake up for a while and bother us.”

“This doesn’t seem very nice, Spot,” Fido persisted.

“It isn’t supposed to be nice, Fido,” Spot returned, moving to the inside of the slung (a perilous position) to check the tension, and that everything was in place. He had brought along a fair-sized rock to place in the center and shoot off. Grunting with the effort, he lifted the stone to get it into position, digging in his claws to keep a good hold on it. “We’re Diamond Dogs, he’s a dragon, and we have to get those gems no matter what.”

“But—” Fido murmured. “Mr. Discord let us go. He told us where to get gems. He helped us.”

The fact that Fido kept protesting (even while holding back the sling to as far back as the wood could stand) caused Rover to hesitate. After all, until now Fido had usually gone along with all their plans. So for him to try and resist this much had a way of making even Rover rethink things.

And after all, getting hit with a stone at such a high speed could actually be pretty dangerous. Rover understand how heavy, sharp, and forceful they could be from his time as a miner. But he had been so intent on getting back at the dragon that he hadn’t considered that possibility, despite the fact that the creature was a dragon and had tricked them.

They weren’t that cruel, weren’t they?

Rover whimpered.

What were they doing?

“Stop that!” Spot said, though Rover could see now that even he was beginning to waiver. “We are proud Diamond Dogs, and we have our honor to uphold.” Then he added, in desperation. “What are we supposed to do otherwise?”

“But this isn’t very honorable. Mr. Discord could get hurt,” Fido pressed on. “And we didn’t like it when our pack threw stones at us.”
This statement reminded Rover of getting cast out from the Kingdom of Dimonida again, being chased by his brother dogs and having stones tossed at them—including the small one in his pocket from Granny Woof-Woof.

Looking back, he hadn’t really liked getting hit with a stone. It had been a bad thing.

Did that mean the pack at Dimondia had acted like bad dogs?

And wouldn’t doing the same thing basically make them bad dogs?

Rover didn’t want to be a bad dog.

He couldn’t do it.

“Argh! I can’t go through with it,” Spot grunted, as if he had heard Rover’s thoughts, while still holding the rock aloft. “I hate to admit it, but Fido is right. This isn’t a good plan at all. And at least Rover’s plans didn’t involve someone getting hurt.”

With that, it seemed the Diamond Dogs had reached an understanding.

“Maybe we should go try those fire rubies after all,” Rover said.

“Yeah,” Spot replied. “At least we might have a chance, that way.”

“Oh, good,” Fido said, seeming glad at the turn of events. In fact, he clapped his paws together in joy.

But this was the worst possible thing.

Because he let go of the sling, and a half-second later Spot was no longer standing and chastising Fido.

Now Spot was hurtling along, curled around the stone, at high speeds, right towards the dragon sleeping in the cavern.

“Uh-oh,” Fido said.

Rover started to cry out some warning to the dragon in the cave yet knew it would do no good.

So he cringed instead and hoped for the best.

***

If Discord had believed the alert from TOH was a disruptive wakeup call, receiving a Diamond Dog right in the face was a far nastier one. For not only was there the surprise from getting a hard lump of fur with briars still submerged throughout in the eyes, but the thrust was enough to send them slamming into the trunk of the Tree of Harmony—with Discord taking the brunt of the blow, causing his body to twirl around TOH at high speeds and setting off something of a chain reaction.

A shrill chorus of music sounded through Discord’s head, and for a moment it as if he were there and everywhere at once, peering across Equestria from the highest tower in Canterlot, to a darkened bedroom, to before Timberwolves in the Everfree Forest, to the streets of Ponyville, to Sweet Apple Acres, to a party (of some sort), to Twilight’s palace, and then back again.

It was so much to handle, and his head was literally spinning on his neck, which must have been quite a sight for the small Diamond Dog just reaching his senses on the floor.

Of course, the Diamond Dog had much to worry about, because Discord hadn’t cared for getting interrupted again in such a way, or causing TOH distress (the stone carried by the Diamond Dog was also a clear indication of something far more sinister at work). And indeed, he glimpsed the huge slingshot outside the cavern, where the other two Diamond Dogs stood looking frightened.

“I tried to be reasonable,” Discord said, aware that a certain resonance had entered his tone. There was magic swelling about him. “I attempted to talk it out with all of you in a sensible way, but it appears you would not listen.”

“Wait!” The smallest Diamond Dog squeaked out, scuttling backwards across the floor. “This isn’t what it—”

“You came back,” Discord interrupted, wings stretching and tail fluff bristling. “And you had the nerve to attack me and harm TOH.”

The Diamond Dog’s eyes were wide in fear by the time Discord leaned down to glare into his face. Discord could see his burning yellow eyes reflected in them.

“So, I will try to make this clear, so that even you can understand it.” Discord snapped a finger, calling up great tangles of thorny vines, which would provide protection around the cavern, and outside it. And the Diamond Dog seemed just as frightened of them as he did of him just then:

“GET. OUT.” The words boomed.

The vines chased the Diamond Dog out of the cavern, and caused his brother dogs to turn tail and run, filling the gorge along the way until they had completely blocked out Discord’s view of anything else.

He took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down before turning to pat TOH.

In hindsight, he had probably overdone it a bit, but if those Diamond Dogs were willing to go so far as to attack him, it was time to take action. And if a huge show of magic and anger was what it took, he supposed it had to be done.

Discord had misjudged them.

And, really, that fact truly disappointed him.

Author's Note

Misjudgments and crises. I hope it wasn't too harsh, though I can say this is going to be the worst things will get in the story.

Chapter Six—Hosts Encounters and Petitions

Rarity had experienced several unexpected delays in beginning her trip into the Everfree Forest, although she could hardly complain about them. After washing up the breakfast dishes and making a few extra touchups to her makeup, for instance, Spike had come calling—pulling the small red wagon with squeaky wheels he often brought on their trips to collect gems outside Ponyville. He had hearts already in his eyes, and the sweetest little smile and way of skipping on his toes in her direction.

Simply adorable.

“Good morning, Rarity,” Spike sighed, rather than said. “I knew you have had to go on many gem runs and thought you might need help again today.” His thoughtfulness was marvelous, and Rarity had had to thank him over and over again for everything he did for her in addition to his own duties as Twilight’s assistant. He came over almost every day to help perform chores around Carousel Boutique, or to run errands when Rarity found it too hard to break away from an important workload (specifically when there was a strict deadline involved).

“Good morning, my little Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity greeted him right back, reaching out to brush back his green head frills, which caused his tail to drum the pathway in a fast-paced rhythm. “I appreciate it, but I’m not going on a gem run at the moment. I might need a teensy bit of help with that later, though, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Oh, no. Not at all,” Spike returned. “Anything for you, Rarity.”

“However,” Rarity paused at that point, suddenly reminded in Spike’s kind display of Sapphire Shore’s letter, “I am working on a new fashion line and plan to go visit the Tree of Harmony in the Everfree Forest.”

“Into the Everfree Forest?” Spike was clearly weary of stepping into those woods. Although, in all fairness, they still gave Rarity a fright once in a while. So she could understand his hesitation. “Are you sure you need to go there? I mean, the castle does look a lot like the Tree of Harmony. You could use that for a model.”

“That is true, but it just wouldn’t be the same. And this is for a very important client,” Then, seeing how worried Spike still looked at the prospect, Rarity pressed on. “But I could use the company of someone brave and strong to help me.”

This caused Spike to perk right up, and he saluted her.

“At your service, Rarity. I’ll come along and make sure nothing can harm you.”

“There’s my little hero,” Rarity gave him a peck on the forehead, and that really caused Spike to dance. “Come on, and I’ll let you know all about my plans.”

***

Meanwhile, the Diamond Dogs had run out of ideas while taking in the sight of the gorge now dominated by thorny vines. It was like the dragon had created an upgraded version of the briar patch deeper in the Everfree Forest to keep Rover, Fido, and Spot from coming anywhere near the cavern or gemstones.

But, for the first time Rover could think of, he didn’t really want any gems. Instead, memories from what had happened over the past hours kept assaulting him—causing Rover to do something for a much longer period than he had ever dared to do before outside of a hole: reflect on his actions, while a cold breeze batted his ears and poked through the tears in his vest. There were also patches of fur made thinner or removed entirely by the incident earlier, yet this didn’t bother him at the moment.

His stomach hurt, almost like had eaten something particularly nasty that even he couldn’t handle. The solution would have been to cough it up, but Rover didn’t have the urge to do this either.

It was hard to explain, and Rover kept scratching his head trying to make sense of it—until Fido plopped into a sitting position beside him and spoke at long last:

“I feel guilty.”

Guilt.

Instantly, Rover recognized this as what was wrong. Still, it didn’t exactly give him any relief. After all, being guilty meant they had definitely done something terrible. Perhaps they had even deserved being driven out of Dimondia.

“I’ve never felt like this before,” Rover whimpered. “I guess we really are bad dogs.”

“Yeah, downright rotten,” Spot joined them on the ground, hugging scarred legs to his chest. “Should we leave to dig up those fire rubies after all?” But there was not much conviction in his tone.

“No, Diamond Dogs are honorable,” Rover said, even if in the back of his mind he couldn’t help but wonder if they still fell into that category. “That was what the dragon offered to us, and we went after those other gems instead—not to mention the stone.”

“The last part was an accident!” Spot rejoined. “I backed down. We were going to leave. Fido is the one who let go out of the sling.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Fido replied. “That was an accident too.”

“And then the dragon didn’t even give us a chance to explain,” Spot persisted. “He kicked us out.”

“Maybe he didn’t listen to us because we didn’t listen to him,” Fido replied.

Meanwhile, Rover took in this exchange, coming to a decision that seemed to ease the rumble in his belly and ease his nerves. It was hard to do, because he wasn’t used to thinking this much unless there were gems involved. Feelings were more difficult for him to consider or grasp, although Rover supposed it didn’t mean he did not have any.

“Then we have to go say we’re sorry,” Rover stated, which caught the attention of his brother dogs. “Afterwards, we wound be free to get those fire rubies. If not, it’d be like stealing and the pack would never let us come back. And if the dragon still turns us out, then we can say he was not so honorable as us Diamond Dogs.”

“Yeah,” Fido agreed. “We just have to go back to the cavern.”

“There’s only one problem with that,” Spot interrupted.

“What?” Both Rover and Fido rejoined.

“The vines,” Spot answered.

Oh, right.

In their resolution, they had almost forgotten about that fact.

It was then (while the sensation of defeat begin to steal over them) that a certain strong odor wafted over on the breeze and caused Rover and his companions to take a deep snuff of the air. And it seemed to Rover that he had smelled this somewhere before, which was a mixture between flowers and many other overpowering fragrances that were actually kind of pretty and brought to mind—

The white pony stolen for the mines.

“Could it be?” Rover mused aloud, and a moment later they heard voices coming along the road in their direction. “Quick, dogs! Hide.”

“Right!”

Rover, Fido, and Spot dived into the brush just in time to see two faces none had probably thought they would encounter again: Miss Rarity and her dragon servant. Or, at least, this was how it seemed to Rover—for the dragon seemed to hang on Miss Rarity’s every word.

She must have been even more powerful and crafty than Rover had imagined, when she and her friends had wound up leaving the mines with the cartloads of gems.

But what could she be doing way out here?

And, perhaps, would she help them?

***

“So you see, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity finished. “It was a big honor for Sapphire Shores to entrust me with creating her ensemble for such an important concert. She even called me her ‘favorite designer’! This could make or break my business, so I need to make sure everything is perfect and vibrant as possible. That is why I need to visit the Tree of Harmony, and perhaps I might even borrow some samples of those pretty flowers from the cave.”

“That sounds incredible, Rarity,” Spike said, seeming much calmer now that they were almost to their destination. The walk had also been a relaxing once, without even the smallest sign of wilder creatures like Timberwolves and similar, which was a blessing. “I know Sapphire Shores will love what you design.”

“Yes, collecting all the gems needed will also present a daunting task. But together I know we can pull it off.”

“Of course. Just say the word, and I’ll be there.”

“You’re such a sweetheart,” Rarity beamed, quite content at how well things were progressing today. Getting to spend some quiet time before the Tree of Harmony should have been any artist’s dream, since it was so stunning and fabulous.
With any luck, there would be no further obstacles.

This was when there came a heavy rustling from the bushes, which made Rarity and Spike pause in their tracks.

Spike, brave soul that he was, puffed out his chest (even though he was clearly scared) and stood as if to face whatever should emerge from the Everfree Forest.

“Stand back, Rarity,” Spike’s voice quivered. “I’ll protect you, and—” He trailed off, as three very familiar Diamond Dogs popped out of the bushes.

They were a mess, with bristling tangled all over their fur, torn couture (which had clearly been made from subpar fabrics), and numerous scars. Rarity considered them a fright, though not in the sense she would have turned tail and run—for a true lady never fled so easily, especially when there was work to be done. Besides, she recognized and had handled these Diamond Dogs before. Surely, she could do so again, even if they tried to kidnap her to find gems for them.

“All right,” Rarity said, keeping her tone even and unyielding. “What do you want this time?”

“We want—” The Diamond Dogs growled as they approached, paws lifting as if they might fall upon Rarity and Spike in the savage way they had last time before dragging Rarity away. Rarity, and Spike, braced for just such an occasion.

And this made it all the more surprising when the Diamond Dogs collapsed to their knees on the pathway, bowing their heads with their paws stretched out before them.

“Your help, oh great Miss Rarity!”

Author's Note

^_^

Chapter Seven—Involves Explanations

Rarity had managed to recover a bit from her initial astonishment at the sudden pleas for help when the Diamond Dogs began to explain themselves further, in a frantic and jumbled fashion. They rushed through what sounded like a complicated tale, often raising their voices over each other, cutting one another off, and giving desperate whines throughout that did much to assure Rarity these characters had no intention of stealing her away. But the only problem was that their mangled narrative was so difficult to untangle and roughly delivered, she had trouble following exactly what they meant—although there was the impression they had accidentally aggravated a dragon who had frightened them terribly.

Then they mentioned something about precious gems in the gorge cavern, and the dragon kicking them out of it after some type of stone incident.

The Elements of Harmony?

“Stop!” Rarity cried out at this point, causing the Diamond Dogs to wince. Then she tried to speak calmly and gently, because they had obviously been through quite an ordeal. And despite it all, they did seem much nicer now than during their first encounter. “You are making it hard to understand you, Darlings.”

“Gee, she called us ‘Darlings’.” The largest of the Diamond Dogs murmured, suddenly coy, only to get elbowed by the smallest one.

Meanwhile, the middle one (with the red, torn vest Rarity made a mental note to offer repairing) stood wringing his paws with his lower lip trembling with words unsaid. And it was at this middle dog that she waved a hoof:

“Please tell us what happened, slowly,” Rarity said. “Otherwise, we won’t know how to help you.”

This Diamond Dog jerked as if startled by the request, looked between his companions, stepped forward slightly, and restarted their explanation—which flowed out much smoother this time around, with Rarity and Spike asking the occasional question to help piece together the full picture. And it was indeed a picture that surprised them both, if the glance Rarity exchanged with Spike was of any evidence. But she had to admit to feeling sorry for them from the mention of how they had gotten chased out of the Kingdom of Dimondia onwards. For being banished from a place that celebrated fine jewelry (despite everything) sounded like such a miserable idea.

However, a lump caught in Rarity’s throat at the very thought that Diamond Dogs would treat each other in such an ungenerous and thoughtless way. Spikey-Wikey even offered handkerchiefs to the middle one, who introduced himself as “Rover,” along with his companions. And all three blew their noses like trumpets and dabbed at their eyes at numerous parts of the tale.

They spoke of stumbling across the cavern, and of the odd dragon who had appeared there in a flash of light. If Rarity had had any doubts at all as to his identity, these cleared right up when they mentioned getting tricked onto a spring that they had originally created as a pitfall trap to catch him. Because she knew of only one pony who would think of doing such a thing. They told her of the attempts to get around him at the gems, and then the accident that had set him off.

The thought of huge fire rubies was also an attractive concept, but Rarity didn’t take too long to muse over this before getting back to the poor souls before her.

“Mr. Discord got real mad,” Fido interjected.

“Shooting the stone was an accident,” Spot insisted. “We had decided to leave those gems alone.”

“And now we want to apologize,” Rover said. “But we can’t go back.”

“Well,” Rarity said, after they had reached this portion in the story. “The plan to shoot a stone was a very bad thing.”

The Diamond Dogs bowed their heads.

“Still, I can tell you’re really sorry about it and didn’t mean any harm,” Rarity pressed on. “Discord will probably understand.”

“He didn’t listen when we tried to explain the last time,” Spot said. “He chased us out of the cave.”

“Then perhaps I can talk to him,” Rarity said at last.

“You would do that for us, Miss Rarity?” Spot asked, seeming shocked she had made her offer so easily. “You’re not scared?”

“Not at all,” Rarity replied. “Discord is a friend of mine, actually.”

The Diamond Dogs’ faces brightened in what Rarity could tell was beaming admiration at this information. It almost reminded her an adoring crowd at one of her fashion shows, with an extra element of gratitude that was endearing.

“Just leave it up to me, and we’ll get this all straightened—”

Rarity trailed off when the Diamond Dogs began kissing the ground before her, which was somewhat flattering yet a little embarrassing as well. There was also the possibility that Spike might have protested at this moment, yet when she looked her friend had actually moved a little bit further along the path to where the trees broke away and exposed the gorge, standing quietly along its edge.

“Huh, Rarity? I think you might want to see this,” Spike called, and Rarity soon joined him.

She gasped.

The gorge had been filled with dark, thorny vines—much like the ones Discord had once unleashed on Ponyville several months ago, from plunder seeds. Yet these appeared to have no interest in spreading upon their current location, though they wiggled about in an unappealing manner.

That could present a problem.

“Oh. I see,” Rarity said, taking account of her options. After all, these vines could present more trouble than she had accounted for (especially if she went among them). Discord had apparently gone overboard with this protection system against the Diamond Dogs, and it was hard to know what other nasty surprises might lurk inside should any pony dare to trespass there.

“You see?” Spot said, as the Diamond Dogs came to stand beside Rarity the edge of the gorge. “We can’t go to the cave to say we’re sorry if these sticky vines are in the way.”

“Well, have you tried calling out?” Spike suggested. “Sound would carry. Maybe Discord could hear your apology.”

“Huh,” Rover scratched his head. “You know, that scrawny dragon is right.”

“’Scrawny’?” Spike was obviously indignant, crossing his arms in a pout.

“We’ll just shout to Mr. Discord,” Fido agreed.

And then, the three Diamond Dogs cupped their paws around their mouths and called into the gorge:

“Hey, Dragon/Discord/Mr. Discord!” Each Diamond Dog had a different name to yowl for Discord, and the results made for quite a racket. It also turned out that the smallest dog, Spot, had a rather shrill and high-pitched tone when shouting that loudly. “We have something to tell you.”

This had the opposite effect than the one intended. Rarity had hoped Discord might part the vines, at least, and emerge to see what the Diamond Dogs were howling about—when they would be able to discuss the events from earlier.
Instead, the thorny vines quivered and shot towards them.

All of them turned to retreat, with the Diamond Dogs being perhaps the fastest.

Things moved in slow motion for Rarity then.

She twisted about, to head after Spike and the Diamond Dogs. But at the first bound Rarity’s hind hoof slipped for whatever reason, and she fell.

Spike started to twist around, mouth open to shout—and the Diamond Dogs themselves were even turning to help.

But it wasn’t enough.

The vines came crashing around Rarity, plunging her into darkness.

***

“Rarity!” The scrawny dragon shrieked as the dark vines wrapped around Rarity. He would have rushed headlong at the plant menace, but an arm looped about and pulled him into the shade of the Everfree Forest—where the vines stopped advancing. “Let go of me. Let me go.” He struggled in Fido’s hold, and the Diamond Dog finally complied.

Then he flopped onto the ground before the large dark tangle.

Rover exchanged glances with his brother dogs. Here was another dragon, but a little one—and he didn’t seem so bad. Plus, he had stuck close to Miss Rarity.

They had been wrong about the stranger dragon in the gorge.

Maybe they should make peace with this dragon as well.

“You couldn’t have stopped those vines,” Rover said, approaching the dragon from behind. As with imagining things, he wasn’t much use at consoling anyone, especially himself. Still, perhaps it helped since the dragon wiped at his eyes and nose. That could have been a good sign. “It will be okay, hmm—”

“Spike,” the dragon finished.

Fido came over and patted Spike on the back, as did Spot.

The foursome sat in a sullen huddle for a while before they heard from inside the tangle:

“Sweet Celestia! It smells simply dreadful in here.”

“Rarity, is that you?” Spike bounced up and came to the edge of the clump of vines.

“Yes, my little Spikey-Wikey,” Miss Rarity answered. “I am perfectly fine. The vines seem to have gone completely around me, and I’m using my horn to light my way. In fact,” here there was a pause, “I might just be able to navigate my way to the cavern from here. I don’t think they’ll make a move against me.”

“I guess they were just after us?” Spot said.

“But I don’t think I can get in either,” Spike protested. “Shouldn’t I go with you, to protect you?”

“Don’t fret, Spikey-Wikey,” Miss Rarity called. “I should be fine, but maybe our new friends might need your help in the meantime. Please take care of them for me, okay?”

“’Friends’?” Rover murmured the word, along with Fido and Spot. It was such an alien term. But somehow, Rover had to admit he kind of liked how it moved over his tongue.

“All right, Rarity.” Spike said at length. “I’ll watch over them and make sure they don’t get into any trouble.”

“Because we’re friends,” Fido latched onto the idea immediately, grabbing up Spike in a big, squeezing hug.

“Come back soon,” Rover heard Spike squeak out.

“I promise I will,” Miss Rarity said, and the sound of vines shifting marked her journey deeper into the vines.

“There goes an amazing pony,” Spot said.

“Yeah,” the rest of the Diamond Dogs and Spike agreed.

Author's Note

Rarity, to the rescue!

Chapter Eight—Discusses Responsibilities and Forgiveness

Rarity took the greatest care when traveling through the vines, which had knitted into such a tight-fitting shroud it was as if she wandered among shadows. The soft blue glow of her horn was a great comfort and necessity—although doing this caused the innumerable thorns to glisten—that helped to guide her along the uppermost rim to the narrow stone staircase leading down into the gorge without incident. At least having to watch each hoof-fall helped Rarity to ignore the state of her mane, which must have been an absolute mess at the moment. And the vines gave way as she moved forward, always giving her a fair berth.

“I do hope Spike is all right,” Rarity said aloud, to fill the silence (and to hear something other than the hissing of vines shifting against each other). “The poor dear was so terrified when those vines came at us. On the other hoof, I suppose I was also just a teensiest bit frightened—as were the Diamond Dogs. They really seem like a nicer bunch than first supposed, though I must improve their couture at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Almost there. She reached the bottom of the stone staircase, counting the steps until at last the vines parted ahead to reveal a much brighter radiance than her magic could produce. Rarity squinted against the glare, blinking several times to adjust her vision to the interior of the cavern. The hissing ceased as she passed over the threshold, and the dark plants grew still behind her, replaced by a rasping cacophony in front.

Stretched upon a long cloud bed, much like Rainbow Dash often did above Ponyville between her daredevil feats, was Discord. He wore a blue nightcap that shot up to punctuate each snore, and in the same way, his snake tail curled and uncurled, producing a party twirler toot. On occasion, his goat leg would lift to scratch at his side. His beard rustled once in a while as well, whenever Discord gave a particularly loud snort. Then there were faint yet noticeable bags under his eyes, resembling (in that peculiar way he had) actual hoof-bags complete with handles that flapped alongside the other combined motions.

This made for quite a sight, although Rarity instantly recognized it as the sleep of an exhausted pony. She had had too many such dozes—with her little sister Sweetie Belle often commenting on them later in the most innocuous manner possible, and come across it enough in other ponies. So even for a pony who possessed goofier tendencies, Rarity suspected from this that Discord must have had a rough night, which could have explained his shorter temper against the Diamond Dogs.

In fact, she hesitated to wake him. After all, it was awful to fall asleep, only to have some pony interrupt your nice dreams by bouncing on the bed or another shocking action (which she had also experienced due to Sweetie Belle over and over again).

But Spike and those Diamond Dogs were waiting, and Rarity had several things to accomplish as well.

Discord’s ear flicked when Rarity drew closer, reaching out a hoof with the intention of gently shaking him by the shoulder.

“Dis—” This was as far as she got before Discord convulsed, squelching the noises he had made seconds before and taking Rarity aback. She cried out instead, watching her friend fall off his bed of clouds with a heavy crash. The only thing she saw was his snake tail from the other side, crooked and twitching.

“Darling, are you okay?” Rarity asked.

The snake tail straightened out at her question, with white fluff bristling, and Discord’s head popped up from the cloud layer. Now he was the one to blink several times (his red irises growing and shrinking) to adjust to the sight of her. Even then, he said in a somewhat incredulous tone at first, and more as if he were speaking to himself:

“Rarity, whatever are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question,” Rarity answered, whereupon Discord sprang up and dissipated the clouds. He tried to adopt his usual, calm attitude then, but the other image of him snoring away stuck with Rarity and made her stifle an unladylike chortle. “Is it that much of a shock?”

“Well, you wouldn’t believe the type of morning I have been having. Then again, perhaps you could,” Discord’s gaze turned towards the floor, yet Rarity couldn’t see anything there in particular besides the smooth stone surface. “But where are my manners (which Fluttershy often reminds me of, but that I always have trouble finding)? One moment.”

Discord snapped the talons on his griffin claw.

Instantly, a fine velvet carpet appeared underhoof on the cavern floor, along with soft couches, armchairs, and a table with brushes and a small mirror. For a moment, Rarity could do nothing less than take the look and feel of the fine fabrics when she took her place on one of the couches. These touches were nice after walking amid the thorny vines, and she even began running a brush through her mane as Discord flopped into the armchair opposite.

Tea appeared on a silver saucer before her, and Rarity could smell it was chamomile, with a twist of lemon such as how Fluttershy made it.

Yum.

These accommodations were so comfortable and absorbing, Rarity nearly forgot why she was there in the first place. But then her eyes trailed up to the looming Tree of Harmony. Its crystalline form sparkled, as did the colorful Elements upon its branches. There was also her Element of Generosity, in the shape of a purple diamond.

“What are you doing here, Discord?” Rarity said. It could have simply been that he had happened to fly past when the Diamond Dogs tried to take the Elements of Harmony. Still, the last time Discord had spent any significant time before the Tree of Harmony, things had gotten complicated—so it would be good to know the full story. “Shouldn’t you be off somewhere across Equestria now, or visiting Fluttershy, or perhaps teaching Twilight? Not that I am trying to dictate your schedule.”

“No, you are quite right, my dear,” Discord sipped his tea, acting the perfect gentlecolt. “I am not due back in Ponyville for a week or so, even to have my usual rendezvous with Fluttershy. In addition, I should be wandering across Equestria at this very moment.” That idea seemed to agitate him. He slammed the cup down on its saucer, and it was a wonder he didn’t break this or spill the tea in the process. “But there were other duties to take care of,” he gestured his lion’s paw at the Tree of Harmony.

“You’re protecting the Elements,” Rarity stated. “How very noble!”

“I’m protecting the Tree of Harmony, just the same as you ponies have on several occasions,” Discord returned. “Considering my history with it, I thought this was the least I could do. Besides, ever since then TOH has alerted me to any threats, and many other ‘responsibilities’ keep me busy.” He heaved a heavy sigh Rarity also recognized as a pony with a crowded schedule, and she marveled at this connection to the Tree of Harmony.

Somehow, Rarity had always thought Discord would be goofing off somewhere. But now he was doing quite a bit as well.

Maybe he could use a spa day.

Rarity was on the point of suggested just that when Discord pressed onwards:

“So I can sense it even when a danger to TOH comes from something less than some greater evil.”

That brought them back to the topic at hoof.

“You mean Diamond Dogs?”

“You hit the nail on the head,” Discord answered, accompanied by the sounds of a hammer clanking on metal. However, if he had actually called a nail and hammer into existence was something Rarity couldn’t tell and probably would never know. “I suppose there is a reason you know that fact, though.”

“Yes. They accosted me and Spike in the Everfree Forest on the way here.”

“I see, and where is Spike now?”

“Back with the Diamond Dogs.”

“I see,” Discord said again, with a certain hardness entering his tone. He tugged at his beard, suddenly grim-faced. “Perhaps those troublesome canines need another lesson then.”

At this point, Rarity realized with a start she was giving him the wrong impression of the situation.

“Oh, no. You don’t understand, Darling. The Diamond Dogs haven’t captured Spike, or anything like that. In fact, he’s keeping watch over them,” Rarity said.

“Huh. I wouldn’t have thought Spike capable of such a thing yet, unless you tied them up first,” Discord replied, fidgeting a bit in his armchair. “But, then again, Diamond Dogs and dragons do have a rocky relationship. No pun intended.”

“Don’t underestimate him. Spike is perfectly capable of—” Rarity started to defend her brave Spikey-Wikey, only to notice (once again) that Discord had taken what she had said the wrong way again. “Listen, Discord. Spike isn’t ‘guarding’ the Diamond Dogs in that sense. He is waiting with them, to keep them company. Actually, I am here on their behalf to speak with you.”

“Oh?” This clearly surprised Discord. His brows shot straight up.

“Yes,” At last, Rarity seemed to be getting somewhere. She sighed, relieved. “You see, it seems there has been a big misunderstanding between you and these Diamond Dogs.”

“I think their intentions was pretty clear, my dear.” Discord shrugged, strangely unyielding. “They came to steal the Elements of Harmony from TOH, and I stopped them.”

“It sounds like you launched them into a briar patch in the Everfree Forest,” Rarity stated.

“Not before they tried to make off with the Elements. They thought I was some type of easy-to-fool dragon and sought to trap me. I just decided to humor them.” But these were loose justifications, and Rarity could tell Discord understood that. Under her gaze, Discord even got up as if he couldn’t stand sitting any longer, crossing his arms. He looked away. “I admit, it was a trifle excessive.”

“You should have just talked to them,” Rarity chided, wondering if is what Fluttershy felt like when calling Discord out on his actions. “Launching them off was no way to behave.”

“But I did talk to those Diamond Dogs during their second attempt,” Discord insisted. “I was nice and even pointed out a good place for them to get as many fire rubies as they wanted. It appeared we had an understanding, or at least for a while.”

Fire rubies? Rarity would need a good supply of those for her fashion line project, but she bit her lip and forced the question away for the time being.

“Then they still came back. What’s more, they launched a stone at me and TOH,” Discord said. “Apparently, those Diamond Dogs chose to turn down my generous offer and just went after the Elements again.”

“The Diamond Dogs’ plan involving shooting that stone was wrong, but they claim it was an accident.”

Discord just stared at her.

“You should let them come and explain,” Rarity continued. “They do appear sorry for what they did, and I believe they want to make amends,” she paused. “Discord?”

“If their plan had worked, those Diamond Dogs probably would have counted it a success instead of an accident. I have seen their kind do numerous similar things the past,” Discord pondered aloud. “They always go after what they believe are the most valuable gems. They cannot help themselves, and that is something that has not changed over the centuries—even if their keen sense of smell has dimmed and their focus is narrower than previous generations. How can you tell they were sincere?”

“You should not judge these Diamond Dogs based on their ancestors,” Rarity gasped at the idea, setting aside her tea (which was already getting much too cold). “They made a mistake and learned from it, so it’s important to give them another chance to prove how they have changed.”

Then Rarity added:

“Just like you.”

And Discord fell silent.

Author's Note

We're almost to the end!

Chapter Nine—Focuses on Solutions

Almost half an hour had passed without any word from Miss Rarity or movement from the dark vines, where the small dragon—Spike, had gotten up numerous times to pace with worry clear in his every feature. Fido and Spot played tic-tac-toe to pass the time, scratching out the X’s and O’s in the dirt and inviting Spike to join them in a few games to also distract him.

This was something they invited Rover to do as well. But like Spike, Rover turned them down in favor of keeping an eye should anything happen in the tangle.

He could nothing else after seeing Miss Rarity overwhelmed by the vines, yet then hearing her determination to travel through them to the dragon in the cavern. Rover knew he would have cringed, whimpered, and cried out for mercy in her place—which was one reason it was so remarkable. Plus, she was doing this after what Rover and his brother dogs had put her through many moons ago in kidnapping her to find gems in their mine.

Actually, that confounded him even more than Miss Rarity walking through the vines in the first place.

“What is taking Rarity so long?” Spike murmured then, pacing faster than before. “The vines couldn’t have attacked her somewhere along the way, right, or she wouldn’t have dropped into the gorge?” He wasn’t speaking to anyone in particular, though all the Diamond Dogs’ ears could pick him up.

“I am sure Miss Rarity is okay,” Fido said.

“Oh, yes,” Spot added, much too quickly, “She’s probably just taking her time and fighting off any of the vines that are coming after—” Here Rover cuffed him on the ear. “Ouch! What did I do?”

“You’re making it worse,” Rover growled, pointing at Spike—who had let out an anxious gasp at Spot’s mention of vines going after Miss Rarity.

“Thanks, you guys,” Spike interjected, making the Diamond Dogs turn towards him. “I know you’re trying to make me feel better about Rarity, even if she’s probably fine. She has done more amazing things than this in the past.”

“Really?” Spot asked. “Tell us.”

“Yes, tell us.” Sensing a story in the air, Fido flopped down before Spike, followed by Spot, and finally joined by Rover.

“Go ahead,” Rover said.

And Spike did, telling the Diamond Dogs of the many great exploits and daring feats of Miss Rarity—who was the most generous pony imaginable and among the strongest in spirit. He spoke to them of a fashionista (or dressmaker, as Spike had to explain to them) who had kicked manticores in the face, confronted enormous dragons, and used powerful magic to help defeat numerous villains. Indeed, Rover found himself awing (along his brother dogs) at the mention of how she had won numerous fashion contests and worked long hours making beautiful outfits for her dearest friends, and oohing when he said how she used a wide variety of gemstones in her designs.
Miss Rarity was a pony above all other ponies, beautiful, trend-setting, and kind. And Rover believed every word.

In fact, by the end of Spike’s story, Rover, Fido, and Spot were bawling and dabbing at their eyes—which was the oddest sensation. Beyond whimpering and whining, they had never experience anything of the like, and it reminded Rover of the strange sounds Miss Rarity had made when they had taking her prisoner.

Oh, what bad dogs they had been! How could they have ever kidnapped some pony like Miss Rarity, who loved gems as they did and was such an incredible pony?

This display apparently worried Spike, though, who afterwards came forward to comfort them instead:

“Hey, it’s okay,” Spike said. “I’m sure Rarity—”

The sounds of shifting vines interrupted the rest of what the small dragon was about to say, and the whole group watched as the foliage retreated into the gorge and disappeared. And peering over the edge in stunned silence, they saw Miss Rarity exit the cavern looking perfect as always and holding her head up high.

All of them cheered, running after Spike as he scrambled down the stone staircase towards the heroine of his tale.

But then the Diamond Dogs stopped short when the dragon emerged from the cavern as well, following Miss Rarity at a slow walk.

***

“Rarity, you’re all right!” Spike leapt the final few steps to hug Miss Rarity around the neck.

“Of course, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity replied. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I know, but I still worried.” The two looked so happy, Rover felt another case of sniffles coming on—yet it was Fido who let out a happy howl instead.

“It just took me a little while to get to the cavern and speak with our friend,” Rarity indicated the dragon. “Diamond Dogs, meet Discord, guardian of the Tree of Harmony.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself that, my dear,” Discord said. “Though it does sound like a rather chaotic pastime.” Then he turned his attention to the Diamond Dogs. “So, we meet again.” He said quietly, seeming to study them. “Rarity said you wanted to speak with me.”

“Mr. Discord,” Fido spoke first. “We did a bad thing.”

“And we’re sorry about the slingshot and stone,” Rover added. “We didn’t want to hurt anyone.”

“Yeah, yeah!” Spot put in. “We’re really, really sorry.”

“I accept your apology,” Discord said after the slightest pause, which made all the Diamond Dogs start.

“You do?” Rover couldn’t believe his ears.

“Indeed. Rarity convinced me that I’d been too hard on you before—and that I overreacted a bit,” Discord and Miss Rarity exchanged a glance. “Besides, your mistake pales in comparison to numerous ones that I have made in the past, so who am I to accuse any pony?” He grinned. “Although, you could have had the sense and saved us a lot of trouble if you had taken me up on my offer of huge fire rubies earlier.”

“Discord,” Rarity chided, gently.

“We know,” Spot said. “We were just desperate to get the right offering.”

“Desperate?” Discord asked, “Offering?”

“Yes. We got banished from the Kingdom of Dimondia because of losing all those gems to Miss Rarity, and chased out by our fellow dogs,” Rover explained.

“Goodness!” Rarity said then. “I had no idea you’d been exiled from your home because I left with those gemstones.”

“They insulted us, and threw stones at us,” Fido said, nodding his head. “It hurt a lot, and we didn’t want to be exiled anymore, so we decided to find something precious enough for them to take us back. That’s why we thought those gems would be perfect to get.” Then, he added, with a look at Discord, who now wore a more thoughtful expression, “But we didn’t want to throw stones at others. So that was really an accident.”

“Well, I hope you’ll excuse me from saying so, but those Diamond Dogs in Dimondia don’t sound nice at all,” Rarity stated. “Why would you want to go back there, when they were so mean to you?”

“Because Dimondia is where our pack is—was,” Rover said. “We have nowhere else to go, even if the Kingdom is mostly aboveground.”

“You find that objectionable?” Discord asked, stroking his beard.

“Actually, yes,” Rover said, which was true now that he thought of it. “We’re gem collectors.” He gestured to Fido and Spot. “We prefer being in the mines underground to being up in the sunlight, although we can’t go back to the mines we used to have either because our packs members kicked us out.”

“Hmm. Perhaps you are closer to your ancestors than I thought,” Discord said, so low Rover almost didn’t catch it.

Yet Spot did:

“What do you mean by that?”

“It does appear what happened this morning was one big misunderstanding,” Discord said instead. “So maybe I should give you small sign of goodwill for coming back to apologize, and changing in general.” And before Rover and the other Diamond Dogs could so much as flinch, Discord reached out a lion’s paw and tapped each one on the snout.

Instantly, Rover found himself assaulted by a whole range of new smells and delicious scents. It was as if his nose had gotten much stronger—which was the only way he knew to describe it.

His fellow dogs also appeared excited by this change.

“I can smell diamonds deep in the earth right here!” Spot said, tail wagging viciously. “And I didn’t even realize they had a scent, but somehow I know they’re them, or they’re here, or—how do I know?”

“Me too. Me too,” Fido hopped in place, clapping his paws together. “Mr. Discord, thank you. You truly are a magic dragon.”

“Well, I am actually called a ‘draconequus’.” Discord corrected, but Rover barely heard him. There was so much to sniff in the world, even in the daylight. But he did hear when Discord went on to say, “What I have given you is simply a sensibility held by Diamond Dogs in the past, who could smell gems as well as dig them out of the earth. They didn’t need help finding precious minerals buried in layers of bedrock.”

“Idea!” Miss Rarity suddenly exclaimed, eyes lighting up. “How would you Diamond Dogs like a new job collecting gems?”

“A job collecting gems?” Rover asked, unable to believe his ears now. “From who?”

“Me, of course,” Miss Rarity said. “I didn’t have the chance to say so before, but I came to see the Tree of Harmony to get some inspiration to develop a fashion line for a new client. In addition, I need help finding gems for that project, and many others. In fact, I’ve been swamped with gem-related requests for some time and have had trouble just keeping up.” She smiled at the Diamond Dogs. “With this said, I thought you might like to work for me, and maybe mine those gems at that place Discord was talking about. Are there more than Fire Rubies there, Discord?”

“Of course,” Discord said. “The land just past the Pie Rock Farm has untold riches in minerals, and I suppose it wouldn’t take these Diamond Dogs long to find innumerable gemstones or create extensive mines—given their tunneling abilities.”

“So what do you say?” Rarity asked the Diamond Dogs.

And there was only one thing they could say.

“We accept!” Rover, Fido, and Spot howled, grabbing Miss Rarity up into a hug.

Author's Note

I hope it wasn't too rushed! ^_^

Epilogue—Provides a Short Explanation of a Visit

When the famous singer Sapphire Shores came to visit Rarity at Carousel Boutique two weeks later, she gasped in amazement at the glamorous line of rainbow-hued outfits created for her and the other performers. The fabric and design choices were gorgeous enough, yet particularly eye-catching were the rare jewels that decorated them, which Sapphire Shores commented must have taken many hours of hard labor to do.

However, Rarity had simply laughed and said how she had taken on new helpers recently—and how wonderful they were at finding all types of gems.

Indeed, during her visit, these helpers had entered the boutique dressed in fashionable vests (and with vest pockets crammed full of precious minerals). At that time, they had apparently been contending with a small purpose dragon to use the only available broom in order to sweep the boutique floor, which was an impressive sight.

Sapphire Shores had assumed most Diamond Dogs were rougher and wouldn’t work for ponies, but these three were actually quite pleasant and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

It was a wondrous thing, and something she almost wanted to write a song about sometime soon.

After her own assistants had come to collect the outfits, and many warm exchanges between Rarity and herself, Sapphire Shores walked away from that boutique—while shaking her head at the way her designer had of surprising her each time she came to her for a project.

And Rarity, the Diamond Dogs, and the dragon had waved to her as she departed.

Author's Note

And we're done! Hopefully, you have enjoyed it. This was kind of a short tale, overall, just to do some more exploration of the Diamond Dogs, and where they might have wound up.