After thirteen years of school and putting up with the drama involved in it, the class that Cheerilee had been teaching the whole time was graduating. It was a truly special moment for some while for others it wouldn't be that big of a change. Gathered together, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo began to talk among one another.

Apple Bloom, who had initially planned on simply staying on the farm had graduated as the valedictorian of their class. Scootaloo was the first to say anything, "So Apple Bloom, where do you plan on going to college?"

Apple Bloom replied, "While Ah'm hoping it won't take too long, Ah'm headed to Fillydelphia to study horticulture."

Neither Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle had a clue as to what she was talking about. Scootaloo asked, "Apple Bloom, what is horticulture?"

Apple Bloom replied, "It is the branch of agriculture that deals with the science, technology, and business of growing plants. Basically Ah'm going to study how to help Sweet Apple Acres increase our production using more modern technology, how to utilize the land that we have to produce as much as we can and how to take advantage of the ever changing business dealing with agriculture."

Sweetie Belle asked, "Apple Bloom, I know how Applejack is when it comes to change. What does she think about you going to study all this and eventually modernize the way business is done on the farm?"

Apple Bloom looked down and replied, "Well she doesn't know that is what Ah hope to do. She thinks Ah am only going out there to learn to increase production. She doesn't know anything about the modern technology or the business side of things."

Scootaloo asked, "Modern technology, so are you talking about things like that cider machine the Flim Flam Brothers used?"

The very mention of Flim and Flam and their cider machine angered Apple Bloom. She snapped, "Are you kidding me? Ah'm talking about REAL technology here, not some fake ass machine that con-artists use!"

Scootaloo shied back, "I'm sorry Apple Bloom, I'm just not familiar with agricultural technology."

Apple Bloom replied, "It's alright." She paused for a moment and asked, "So are you excited to be going to the air force academy?"

Scootaloo replied, "You bet I am! When I graduate I'll be commissioned as a second lieutenant!"

*Sweetie interrupted, "Scootaloo, do they even let women into the air force? Isn't it a bit dangerous?"

Before Scootaloo could reply Apple Bloom said, "Come on Sweetie, we're talking about Scootaloo here! She is tough as nails and can persevere through anything."

Scootaloo added, "The academy isn't dangerous! Even if we were to have to go to war after I graduate, nothing is too dangerous for me!" After calming down a bit she asked, "So Sweetie, what are you going to be studying in college?"

Apple Bloom asked, "And where are you going to college?"

Sweetie Belle replied, "Well I'm going to study music at the University of Canterlot."

Both of her friends looked at one another and replied in unison, "Yeah, you're the singer among all of us."

Two of their former foes were standing nearby when they said this. They headed over and Silver Spoon added, "Yeah, she's studying the same thing as me."

Diamond Tiara sighed, "Yeah, I forgot BOTH of you are singing nerds."

Scootaloo asked, "So **Diamond, what are you going to study?"

Diamond replied, "Well, father is sending me to the University of Manehattan to study economics." She puffed her chest out and continued, "After all, I do want to be prepared to take over the store one day." Her voice became more sinister as she continued, "Besides, that furniture store has a monopoly and I simply can't let that be." She began to laugh, "After I graduate and take over the store, Barnyard Bargains will be the only place selling furniture in this town, as it should be!"

***Silver sighed, "Diamond Tiara, I thought we both had turned over a new leaf a long time ago. I didn't think we were ever going to seek to ruin the lives of others again."

Diamond pointed at her three former foes and laughed, "That was just when it came to those three and our other classmates. In business, NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS, NOTHING!!!"

Before she could say anything else, Cheerilee announced that it was time for the ceremony to begin. As the graduates began to walk up and get their diplomas, those closest to them could not help but shed tears of joy. While Applejack always tries to be the strong one, even she began to cry a little.

After the ceremony the families gathered together at Sweet Apple Acres for a post-graduation party. Rainbow was the first to say anything, "You know girls, I'm proud of you." She put her arm around Scootaloo and continued, "And I know you are going to totally kick ass at the academy!"

Scootaloo replied, "Thanks, I certainly hope so."

Rarity asked, "Speaking of the academy, I've heard the cadets there aren't allowed to even have cars. Is that true?"

Scootaloo replied, "Yep, for a cadet's first two years down there, they aren't allowed to leave the academy."

Rarity asked, "Why?"

Scootaloo replied, "It is to keep us disciplined. The military thinks that if young cadets are allowed to leave the academy grounds, that it may interfere with their development."

Applejack asked, "So who will be taking you down there?"

Rainbow replied, "I'll be taking her down there since she may as well be my sister."

While they were talking about the academy not allowing the cadets to have cars, a smile had begun to creep on Applejack's face. Eventually she couldn't hide it anymore prompting Rainbow to find out why, "Applejack, what's up with the smile?"

Apple Bloom added, "Yeah, what's up with the smile?"

Applejack replied, "Come on over to the barn y'all, I have a huge surprise for someone."

Apple Bloom excitedly replied, "What, what?"

Applejack opened the door and replied, "Apple Bloom, this is your graduation present."

Apple Bloom's jaw dropped open. Before her sat a newer model crew cab pickup. She gasped, "That, that is for me?"

Applejack replied, "Yep, you earned it sugar cube!" She hugged her and continued, "Besides, you're a mighty good driver and you'll need someway to get around."

While Scootaloo rushed to Apple Bloom and began celebrating with her, Sweetie had a look of sadness on her face. Rarity saw this and asked, "Whatever is the matter darling? Aren't you happy for Apple Bloom?"

Sweetie replied, "I don't suppose you have something like that for me too do you?"

Rarity hung her head low and replied, "I'm sorry Sweetie but I don't."

Sweetie sulked, "How am I supposed to get back and forth? I can't expect you to always have to come and get me when I want to come home."

Rarity asked, "Is there anyone else that your close to that is going up there that has a car?"

Sweetie replied, "Well Silver Spoon has one and she is going up there."

Apple Bloom added, "Yeah, and she is studying music too!"

Applejack continued, "Well there you go! Y'all are studying the same thing and y'all get along now, maybe she'll let you ride up and back with her."

While Sweetie wasn't overly fond of the idea of not having her own transportation, she knew that Applejack did make a point. She replied, "That is true. I just hope she'll let me travel with her."

Author's Note

* From this point forward, unless deemed necessary, Sweetie Belle will be referred to as Sweetie.

** From this point forward, unless deemed necessary, Diamond Tiara will be referred to as Diamond.

*** From this point forward, unless deemed necessary, Silver Spoon will be referred to as Silver.