Shattered Diamond

by The Bricklayer

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Sad, Romance, Drama
Length: 3657

Diamond Tiara: Bully and Written Script: History Teacher. Probably two ponies who would probably never meet if they could help it, but that's all about to change in this story of redemption...

Diamond Tiara, queen of the Ponyville Schoolyard and local bully. Written Script, High School History Teacher and chronic pain in everypony's flank. Probably the last two ponies whose paths would cross if they could avoid it. Of course, today that's all changed when Diamond finds herself orphaned by a house fire set by somepony unknown and Written finds old memories he preferred not to think about being dug up. But maybe, just maybe they can find it within themselves to learn from each other and possibly fix each other's shattered lives in the process.

Rarity/Written Script pairing

Cover art done by RealisticHorseNoise and proofread by Magic Step. Give them a shout, eh?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2017-08-10 20:17:41 UTC

Prologue

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

4th August 1003

Spoiled Rich
999 Snob Hill
Ponyville

Dear Mrs. Rich:

For the bloody umpteenth time, no means no. Are we quite clear with this? Probably not, given your low brain cells but if I must repeat myself, I shall. I am not having your daughter moved to the upper classes. She is an elementary level student and that’s the end of that, despite your delusions of grandeur that might say or imply otherwise. While I grant you she might be a smart little bugger, (Some might say smart-arsed if I’m too believe the rumors) I honestly, HIGHLY, in fact, doubt she is ready to be moved upwards to my level of teaching. To be honest, I would actually be concerned for her safety, scary and surprising (In more ways than one, yes, I do indeed have a heart despite all evidence to the contrary) as it may be. You see, some of the other students that are such a… delight to teach really do not like arrogant little fillies throwing their money around right and left and deriding those they believe below their station. Which, from what I hear of your snot-nosed daughter who was probably, thanks to you, raised that everything was hers and that she was entitled to it, fits her to a T. Or should that be a D? I don’t care. Honestly, I really couldn’t give jack-squat as to what she’s called. The only kids I could give a damn about are my own, and the ones I teach. They’re my concern, and last I checked, I do not teach your daughter, therefore I am not concerned one jot about her. Are we clear? ...I doubt any of this has reached you, arrogant and snobbish as you are, but I believe we’re done.

P.S. Don’t try and contact the principal about this. I’ve already asked any letters from you to be sent towards (Forwarded really, if you pardon the frankly terrible joke on my end of things.) the paper shredder he so delightfully keeps in his office.

Sincerely Yours: Written Script

Ponyville: Script residence: 11:00 AM

It was a well-known fact that one Written Script of Ponyville High was a complete and utter ass. And before you even ask on species, no, he wasn't a donkey or a mule. He was just a jerk. A complete and utter jerk. There wasn't really a large circle of friends he had, not that he was annoyed by this. He would rather be left alone. Sadly for him, he did have a nice side much to his often at times disgust. This might have explained his tolerance of his cousin, Raindrops, and the fact that he adopted a young bat-pony by the name of Potion Bubbles out of the Ponyville Orphanage some years back. Personally, he put that last one done to pity, but Raindrops kept insisting much to his annoyance that he did have a heart of gold somewhere down in there, it was just buried deeper down than most.

“I swear if she says that my heart can grow a couple of sizes one more time…” Script thought to himself in his half-awake state. However, he was suddenly jolted awake by a sound anypony knew all too well.

BRING! BRING!

An alarm clock was hit with one downwards swing of a hoof, smashing it into a small pile of gears and springs, along with two little clock hands.

“Damn things... Why do they have to be so cheery? Not exactly the kind of thing your drowsy ears want to hear in the morning thank you very much.” Script grumbled largely to himself. Least it was summer now, meaning he didn't have to get up quite so early to teach.

Now, you may be wondering why somepony like him would teach when he just didn't like others. Well, one of the few reasons he was able to put up with others, was largely to teach them a bit of culture. Made him happy... Well, that was the reason it did, he kept telling himself. It wasn't like he had a heart of gold buried in him... right? Celestia above, he didn't hope so. Then he'd never hear the end of it from his arch-nemesis. Him, having a heart. Pah! He got enough mockery and scorn from Good Eats as it was.

Script was a light gray unicorn of about 35 years of age, give or take a year or so. He’d stopped counting honestly. The way he figured it, nopony gave one jot about him, so why what was the use in giving out his age? After all, wasn’t like anypony, aside from that one pink mare, was lining up outside his door to throw him a birthday party.

After walking to the bathroom, he grabbed some toothpaste and with his magic and poured it on a brush before popping it in his mouth. After a quick few minutes of back and forth, his teeth were clean and he sighed.

“Another day. Another day.” The pony thought to himself wearily. Sometimes wondered why he bothered getting up in the mornings this time of year. After all, wasn’t like there was anything noteworthy going on in his life half the time.

“I suppose I can chalk that up to my own stupidity… Maybe,” He continued to think as he pulled out a bottle of pills from below the sink, opened them up and popped a few in his mouth. Hopefully, they’d be enough to get him through the day. “But then again, I’m not alone in earning myself a life of misery. There’s always somepony else to blame.”

Script pulled on a bathrobe, a leftover from his previous... tenant for lack of a better term and slowly trudged downstairs, his purple mane in a mess and his eyes drooping. I’ll be honest with you, right out. There actually was a better term than tenant Script could have been using, but he preferred not to use it as it brought up far too many bad memories for his liking.

As he walked down to the kitchen, he passed a portrait of him and a white furred pony with a very curly purple mane. On both of their horns were small gold bands. Script’s eyes wandered briefly to it, but they soon whipped away from it as quick as they could. Honestly, he didn’t know why he still kept that thing up, he really didn’t. It wasn’t like he would be getting those times back anytime soon.

Script went to the kitchen and started up the coffee pot and switched on the radio, letting older tunes fill his eardrums as the coffee began to boil. Script groaned at the lyrics, they seemed to be almost mocking him really.

“Lonesome loser, huh? Showed what some singers know,” Script thought to himself. “I’m not alone, and I’m not a loser. I’m actually quite happy with my life.”

A voice that sounded suspiciously like his cousin nagged “Are you really?”

“Oh shut up, don’t need you at this time of day. Or any other day really. Bad enough you claim I’m a nice stallion, which all evidence otherwise proves I’m not and be a bother in general in the real world, but in my head as well? Can’t you take a hint and do me and my sanity a favor and bugger on off?”

The voice sighed sadly.

“Oh Script…” It told him, sounding quite sorry for him. “You really should be listening to me more often. Might actually gain you her back.”

“Shut. It. She isn’t a prize to be won, even I know that. Last warning, are we clear?” Script growled out, his tone becoming far more menacing. He was just about to set himself down with his favorite drink when…

DING DONG!

Script groaned, both mentally and aloud. He needed his precious coffee, for crying out loud.

"Alright already, hold your horse-apples. I'm coming... I'm coming." He muttered, before going to the door and opening it. In front of him was a light gray mare, similar in coat color to him. She had two gold eyes that seemed to move about of their own accord and looked at everything but him. For whatever reason the Goddesses had decided, he just couldn't bring himself to be rude. Not even be snarky at that! Mind you, even if he had a glare on his face it just wouldn't have been very intimidating on him, as he was currently clad in a pink fluffy bathrobe. Oh, he hoped Good Eats didn't see him in this. There went his reputation, right out the window.

“So, what have you got? Got some coffee, and ...Yeah. Bit self-explanatory there I suppose.” He said sheepishly, with the sentence turning into a yawn soon after. Derpy blushed.

"Sorry." She told him.

“No, no need to be embarrassed on my account. Not worth your time, trust me,” He muttered. Derpy raised a eyebrow. She handed him the mail, and he looked through it quickly.

“Let's see... Bills, bills… Oh, look, more bills. Science Monthly, yeah that's Potion's. “Gossip For You”, thought I canceled that after the divorce…” He muttered.

Yeah, somepony actually did try and have a relationship with him. Mind you, it didn't end well. Imploded would be the best term. But oddly enough, while he was with somepony Script did actually become a bit nicer even complimenting ponies on rare occasions. But soon as the marriage was over... Bam, right back to square one with him. Sigmane Freud could probably have himself a field day, it was often said.

“Well, there are two letters for you, don’t know if you want to read them but-” Derpy began and Script sighed to himself.

“Just give them to me anyway,” Script grumbled out. “I’ll decide for myself if they’re a waste of paper and my time and then think about sending them to the incinerator.”

Derpy nodded at him, before handing him the pair of letters. Script audibly groaned when he saw the address. What he didn’t see was Derpy flying off, but briefly turning her head back at him to send him a look of pity.

“Don’t know why I’m even bothering to read this, but…” Script asked himself as he opened the letter. It read:

Spoiled Rich
999 Snob Hill
Ponyville

5th August 1003

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

Dear Mr. Script:

How dare you imply that my daughter’s not intelligent! I bet she’s more intelligent than half of the students you claim to teach, but-

Script soon burned the letter in a flash of fire. Wasn’t even worth opening. “Bitchy mare.” He thought to himself. His eyes drifted to the other letter, which oddly enough was sent to him from Spoiled’s daughter. An apology letter perhaps? Script scoffed. Yeah right, not in a thousand years would Diamond Tiara apologize for anything. She was just like her mother and that was the end of that.

Part 1: Between Cousins

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

5th August 1003

Sunshower Raindrops
Cloudsdale Weather Factory
33 Skylanes
Cloudsdale

Dear cousin of mine:

Criminy, you wouldn’t believe the shit I’ve had to put up with this past week. And yes, I know you’re going to lecture me about my language so don’t even bother. It’s a free country, and I need to go off on a rant for a bit right now. Celestia knows otherwise I’d just blow up at somepony and we all know what a pretty sight that would be, eh? Anyways, to get down to the bloody point. Strewth, that bitch of a mare… Yeah, you can probably guess where I’m going with this. It’s her. Again. Spoiled Rich been ranting right and left about my parentage, lack of intelligence, demeanor, etc… You get the usual. Same as always. Course, then there’s her grandeur delusions of fantasy that I’m supposed to enroll her daughter into high school. Her pre-teen daughter I feel the need to point out. And yes, I know some children are geniuses, but if she’s a genius, then I’m the Princess of History. Sure, she’s probably intelligent, even if a snob, but not that intelligent. Honestly… talking to Spoiled Rich just makes my brain cells drop dead every time I even bump into her on the street. She’s like a vacuum, or some sort of vamp-pony, sucking all the happiness out of a area when she just strolls up the street, that pig like nose of hers pointed towards the sky. But then again, bet I deserve something like that witch hounding me, eh? I could do with a change in demeanor if I could be bothered. ...Celestia knows why that’s why you-know-who ran off on me. Or at least, the main reason...

Sincerely, your damn fool of a cousin:
Written Script

Sunshower Raindrops

Cloudsdale Weather Factory
33 Skylanes
Cloudsdale

5th August 1003

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

Dear cuz:

Wish I could offer your help on your issues with a certain mare, but that’s something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself I’m afraid. But I do have one small bit of advice, even if I know you won’t like it one bit. To be honest, I know this suggestion sounds probably like I’ve lost any sense and gone to the madhouse as you would probably say, (Oh, don’t even bother denying it. I know you would. I know you too well. We practically grew up together, remember?) but have you tried reaching out to Diamond and given her a positive influence in her life?

And yes, I know what you’re going to say. She’s got her dad Filthy and all that, but from how you’ve described Spoiled Rich she sounds like a controlling type and he would just bow to any wishes she wants. And yes, I know that sounds like something a therapist would say, and I know how much you hate them, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true...

Wouldn’t be surprised if that marriage was arranged by their parents. Then again, I don’t know much about Spoiled Rich, much less her family lineage, aside from your ranting about her whenever she puts you in a bad mood. Actually, now that I think about it, has Filthy ever punished Diamond for her… brattiness? Know it’s probably not likely given how controlling I theorize his wife to be, but then again I may be wrong. I’m no psychiatrist.

Her teacher… Mrs… Cheerful I think it is, probably punishes her as well, as I don’t think she would just stand by and allow bullying in her class. But back to psychiatrists. I do know one here in Cloudsdale, loves his Sudoku puzzles. We’ve gone out to lunch a few times. Nice stallion, if not a bit nerdy. Nothing wrong with that though, he’s sorta sweet in that way. Has an odd, if not adorable fascination with a song about coconuts as well. ...Celestia above, I’m not rambling am I? Anyways, I think you get my point. Reach out to Diamond, just give her more positive influences in her life.

Wishing you the best of luck:
Your loving cousin, Raindrops

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

6th August 1003

Sunshower Raindrops
Cloudsdale Weather Factory
33 Skylanes
Cloudsdale

Dear Raindrops:

Yeah, I think you have sorta lost some of your sense. No way in Tartarus am I reaching out to that brat of a filly. Tartarus will have to freeze over before that happens! ...Mind you, with Discord now out and about and “Using his powers to maintain Harmony”, if you believe that load of old tosh, that may very well happen, frightening as that thought is. The Tartarus freezing over thing, not me looking after Diamond Tiara, for clarity’s sake just in case you thought my heart grew several sizes. Newsflash, it hasn’t. Don’t make me laugh, Rain. Me, looking after a spoiled brat? I’d sooner kill myself than do that. And since when have you been interested in therapists? I thought you were seeing that guy from the Weather Team, Thunder… Oh, what’s his name?

Never mind that. Sadly, you are right on one aspect as always. (And I know you’re looking smug right now, don’t bother to deny it. I know you as well.) Diamond does get punished from time to time whenever Filthy mans up and grows a spine. Seem to remember him bringing her to Sweet Apple Acres and forcing her to work with Applejack’s little sister after Diamond insulted Granny Smith. I think my point has been proven. Anyone who insults the elderly (Even I have enough tact not to do that.) is pointless to try and redeem. Fact of life, Rain. Fact of life, learn to live with it. As much you like to see the best in ponies, I’m not quite as optimistic, remember? I was born cynical. Do feel sorry for poor Derpy though. Running her ragged with this little back and forth of ours.

Love, your cousin:

Written Script

Sunshower Raindrops

Cloudsdale Weather Factory
33 Skylanes
Cloudsdale

6th August 1003

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

Dear Written:

I know you’re probably denying it right now, but you’re a much better pony than you think you are, really. I mean, before you wouldn’t show one jot of empathy towards anypony you didn’t care about. But here you are now, remarking on how sorry you feel for Derpy and us running her “Ragged” as you say. You are becoming a bit more grown up. As for my boyfriend, me and Thunderlane are perfectly happy. Yes, I know his reputation of being a flirt but he swears he’s changed. Hasn’t brought up any mare besides me and his younger brother’s foalsitters in months. Me and that therapist are just friends, I swear. We met at the local coffee shop and discuss books over the daily crossword, that’s it. Simply friends. And okay, I admit insulting one of the founders of Ponyville at her age is going a bit far, but I’d like to think Diamond’s opinions are influenced by her mother. Peer pressure and all that. Feel sorta sorry for her living with a mom like that. I know I’m going out of my way here, but you always said I was far too kind for my own good. But please, do me a favor, just for me. At least try and reach out to Diamond, doesn’t have to be a big gesture but at least try okay? Who knows, you might be surprised at what you find.

Hoping you’ll listen to me:
Your caring cousin, Sunshower Raindrops

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

7th August 1003

Sunshower Raindrops
Cloudsdale Weather Factory
33 Skylanes
Cloudsdale

I’m sorry Rain, but you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. Any stallion who talks that much about other mares is cheating on you, another fact of life I’ve picked up. Stallions his age, horny little buggers. (And yes, I realize I’m around the exact same age as Thunderlane, but that’s besides the point.) Reputation like that isn’t earned without very good reason, y’know. Listen, for your sake, I hope I’m wrong and that I’m just being a cynical bastard as always, but if something looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, chances are it’s probably a damn duck. My advice, do a bit of digging. I would not be shocked at all if Thunderlane’s cheating on you. But then again, I may be wrong. But just remember, I’m trying to look out for you. I don’t want to see the only family member I remotely like get her heart broken, okay? I care about you Rain, just want to make that clear. ...Celestia, you’re getting to me, you know that right? Listen, I’ll try and reach out towards Diamond a bit, if only because I know Filthy and he seems like a nice enough pony. Gave me endorsements last year to help keep the drama club running. But I’m warning you right now, I already know what’s going to happen, that is… Get my help soundly rejected. And that’s if I get past Spoiled Bitch. But… I’ll do it, just for you. Just for you. Anypony else asking this of me, I’d just tell them to piss off or something along those lines. But you were always there for me after well… You know what happened all those years ago. Your parents took me in, and you cared for me like a sister. For that, I thank you more than you could ever know. Celestia knows why you put up with me, I’m hardly worth your troubles. ...I need a stiff drink. Know it isn’t a good idea this early in the morning but I need one after even bringing that up.

Probably about to be hung over in the next few hours:
Your cousin, Written Script.

Sunshower Raindrops

Cloudsdale Weather Factory
33 Skylanes
Cloudsdale

7th August 1003

Written Script
423 Friendship Lane
Ponyville

Well, glad to see you’re taking my advice in mind. Sometimes all a pony needs to become a better pony is just a little help. I know from experience, and you know it too. And don’t worry yourself any, I’m always here for you if you need me. And Script, I know you’ll probably ignore me like always whenever I say this, but you’re a better stallion than you think you are. Probably beating a dead horse by this point, but I just want you to know that. And don’t worry about Diamond’s mother. She’s just bluster. A pain in everypony’s flank maybe, but not anything to worry about. You should be able to handle her. As for Thunderlane, I’ll keep your advice in mind. I know you’re looking out for me. But I’d like to think he’s a good stallion. I just hope you’re wrong.

Your cousin:
Raindrops