The foals cheered over Cheerilee despite her attempts to once again gain their attention.

“Now students, don’t forget the essays you’re supposed to bring in on Monday.” However, as much as she tried to speak to them, she was drowned out by students milling around their desks and running for the door. She sighed in frustration as the last runner disappeared to the outside world.

But there was a single student left. The pink filly was making some sort of final notes from the lesson. Cheerilee stepped up to the foal’s desk, asking softly, “So who are you planning to write about, Diamond Tiara?” She looked back to the board, with the last of her notes on Equestria’s ‘Pillars’. If she had known how often the old pony-tales were reality when she was younger, she may have spent more time reading them.

Diamond Tiara looked up from her notes. “I’m thinking about doing my report on Rockhoof.” She lifted her notes for Cheerilee to see. References from books were listed on the side, and the main body was already filled with notes on the stallion.

“Really? I took you more for Mistmane.” Cheerilee commented as she took the notes in her hoof.

“I might have done it... if it weren’t for the crusaders.” Diamond Tiara looked back down to her desk, gathering her things into a small bookbag. She was still somewhat timid, when it came to discussing her past. It was true that she was working to better herself...but it was proving harder than expected.

Cheerilee gave the wealthy filly a gentle smile. For the longest time, she had worried for Diamond Tiara. The filly had been spoiled and conceited, caring only for herself and pushing away everypony around her. She shuddered to think of what could have become of the earth pony, had she not been convinced to turn things around.

“Miss Cheerilee?”

The mare blinked, coming out of her thoughts and looking down at the concerned filly. “Oh, I’m sorry...yes Diamond?”

A nervous smile twitched at the rich pony’s mouth. “I...was wondering...if I could get an interview with Rockhoff for my essay?”

Cheerilee rubbed her chin in thought. “Well, I’m not quite sure I’m the one you need to ask. It’s fine if you do it, but I don’t know how you could interview him. Perhaps you should ask Princess Twilight tomorrow?”

She nodded, smiling. “Yes, that sounds perfect.” Seeing the ticking wall clock out of the corner of her eye, her happiness fades into worry. “Oh no…” she turns back to Cheerilee, excusing herself. “I’m sorry, Mother will be angry if I’m home late.”

The teacher’s gaze softened as she patted the filly’s head. “Off you go then, Diamond, hurry home. And have a lovely evening.”

====== * * * ======

Diamond Tiara smiled as the front door was opened for her, Randolph standing aside to allow her inside. “Good evening, my lady. Your Father and Mother are in the study.” The elderly pony who had been looking on death's door months ago, had his health return, as Diamond had stopped making cruel and unnecessary requests of the stallion. He was no spring chicken, but he has a couple years yet before he visits the Everglade.

She nodded, going upstairs to the mansion’s study. The oak wood door creaked as it swung open. Spoiled Rich was lying across the couch, hind legs crossed and head resting on several throw pillows, staring in boredom at something unseen.

Stepping inside, Diamond silently followed her mother’s gaze to the elegant chess set opposite them. Her father sat facing her, although he was focused on the game in front of him. One which - by the look of the pieces remaining on the board - he appeared to be losing. His queen and king were both at risk, the knight too far to be of any assistance, and the bishop being the only thing that might be of assistance. As Diamond Tiara walked into the room, he moved the bishop into position to block the opponent's bishop from checkmate, and to capture it if it went for the queen.

A tall, muscular unicorn stallion sat in the other chair, his back to her. His coat was a dark brown, his short, styled mane and tail a dirty blonde, the inverse of her father. Her heart raced with joy, recognizing him instantly. “Uncle Polished!” she cried.

Polished Coin turned, blue eyes widening at the sight of her, a grin spreading across his mouth. He stood, walking towards her and embracing the filly. “There she is, my darling little niece!”

Spoiled Rich’s voice was cold and sharp. “Diamond Tiara, why are you home late?”

She flinched from her mother’s tone. “I-I was at school. I had to ask Miss Cheerilee a question about my essay.”

The mare huffed, turning up her muzzle. “I still can’t believe you’re going to waste your time learning about some primitive viking pony who spent most of his days in the dirt.”

Filthy Rich shook his head, abandoning the half-finished chess game to walk towards his daughter. “I think Rockhoof is an amazing choice for you, darling. You know, strength doesn’t just mean being able to kick a boulder…” he places a hoof over Diamond’s heart, “Strength can come from inside you too.”

Polished wrapped a hoof around Diamond’s neck, pulling her close with a laugh. “See, this is why he got the company and not me! He’s so philosophical.”He tapped her across the chest before gesturing his hoof towards his brother.

His hug was a little rough. A tad tighter than usual. But she watched the twin brothers laugh. When they were born there was a dispute over who would run their father’s company, but an event in Canterlot lead to Polished Coin leaving it to his brother. Diamond Tiara had assumed he had become a part of the nobility and idolized him. And since she received help from the crusaders, her adoration for her uncle could only be rivaled by her father.

“Well hopefully Diamond will be as philosophical, if that’s what it takes to run the family business.” Filthy Rich chuckled, taking a moment to look proud towards his daughter. “I was beginning to worry for a while there.”

Polished blinked, he dropped his leg from around Diamond, and his laugh slowed. He coughed before speaking. “Wh-What?”

Filthy continued. “Well...I won’t be here forever, brother. And...when I do go, Diamond will take over from my place.” His voice was sterner than usual in the conversations Diamond had heard between them. “I’ve been taking her to my board meetings recently to familiarize with the environment.” He now wrapped his leg around her. It took her a moment, before realizing that was the same tone he struck when dealing with business.

“That’s lovely! Oh, I wish Canterlot didn’t keep me so busy.” He kicked across the ground, mimicking kicking a can.

Diamond deftly ducked under her father’s hoof, and rushed in to hug her uncle, who gave out a grunt as the wind was knocked out of him. “All that matters is that you’re here now!”

Filthy chuckled, prying the two apart. “Alright alright, come on Diamond, your uncle must be hungry. Randolf, will you check to see if the dinner is prepared?” The elderly pony bowed deeply before walking towards the kitchen.

Polished gave his brother a smirk, “How do you know me so well? Show the way.”

“Are you kidding, your stomach gave you away” Diamond’s father laughed, patting him on the back.

The four ponies made their way from the living room to the dining room and sat themselves down. The beginning of the meal was peaceful. Conversation swayed between events up in Canterlot, business, how Diamond was doing in school, before settling on Diamond’s weekend project.

“So, you’re doing a project on Rockhoof?” Polished had stopped eating for a moment to ponder her choice. “How’s it feel, tackling something so well-known? Have to get your facts straight, you know. There’s no room for error with things like this.”

Diamond gave a short, firm nod. “I know...I’m going to try to see if Twilight can get me a chance to interview him. Get the information straight from the source, and all that.”

“Oh please, I hear he’s over a thousand year’s old. There’s no way he can remember that far back!” Spoiled scoffed.

Diamond looked confusedly at her mother. Deciding not to dispute with her mother she choose her words carefully. “From what I understand, being in limbo meant no time had passed for any of the pillar’s. If he had actually physically aged, I have no doubt you’d be right and he wouldn’t even b-”

“Are you saying that I’m wrong?”

“N-no mother. I’m just repeating what Cheerilee told us in class.” A bead of sweat fell down her fur.

“Now honey. Let’s hear what’s happened.” Her father broke in.

Diamond took one last look at her mother before proceeding. “Apparently they were displaced out of time, so time hasn’t ravaged their mind’s.They remember everything perfectly as if it happened yesterday. I just want to see if it really happened how all the stories say.”

Polished Coin rubbed his chin, “Stories coming to life certainly is...fascinating.”

Filthy Rich cast his twin brother a cold look. “No...we are not discussing this around Diamond.”

The blonde stallion leaned closer, “Tell me...did those stories ever say anything about shadow-ponies?”

Spoiled Rich stood in an instant, slamming her hoof so hard on the table a plate wobbled. “No! You will not be bringing your business into this house!”

Diamond glanced up at her enraged mother in complete confusion. “Mother…?”

Spoiled didn’t take her eyes from her brother-in-law. “Polished, We had an agreement, and you will uphold your part or you will not be welcome in this house again!”

“Mother, tell me what’s going on!”

Spoiled Rich paused, then let out a slow, calming breath, saying in an even yet forceful voice. “Diamond Tiara…I think it’s time you went to bed.” Her eyes, normally harsh, softened for the first time while looking at her daughter. “It isn’t time yet for you.” She turned to Randolph who stood in a corner of the dining room. “Will you show Diamond to her room.”

Diamond Tiara was looking at her mother, but took a moment to look towards her uncle. His muscles were tensed as if in preparation, but seeing her looking, he relaxed and nodded his head. Slowly she got up from the table and made her way with Randolph out into the hallway and up the stairs. It was still early, but she decided it was better to follow her mother’s directions and promptly went to bed.

Author's Note

This is my first try at a story starring Diamond, so comments are vital to help me improve. Plus, they keep me inspired. Thank you.