Diamond Tiara sat in front of her ornate bedroom mirror, her reflection showing a young filly with a soft pink coat and a sleek purple and white mane. A young maid, gentle and diligent, stood behind Diamond Tiara, brushing her mane with a delicate touch. The brush moved smoothly through the strands, untangling any knots and ensuring her mane fell perfectly into place.
"Mistress Diamond,” The little filly’s ears perked at the sound of her name being called, her gaze falling upwards to the reflection of the mare in the mirror.
"Lily… I told you, it's just Diamond," she said, turning to face the maid with a gentle but firm expression.
Lily nodded, her smile becoming a bit more relaxed. "Of course, Mi— I mean, Diamond. I do believe I am down now. I am sure your breakfast is ready, and your parents are waiting for you."
"Thank you, Lily," Diamond Tiara replied with a sigh, dreading the interaction with them…or at least one of them…already. She slipped from the chair before picking up her saddle bag and handing it to her for her to carry “And do try to relax a bit…at least around me. I’m not my mother after all.” She frowned. Not any more at least…
The pegasus gave the filly a quick bow. "Y-Yes. Of course. I’m sorry. I'll try, Diamond. Thank you."
The filly rolled her eyes. She still has the “New Maid Jitters”. Guess I can’t blame her. Mother always puts the fear of Celestia into all of her servants after all.
Diamond Tiara gave her a small smile before she made her way out of her room and headed down the grand staircase, Lily following a few steps behind. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and sweet syrup filled the air as they reached the dining room.
Her parents were already seated at the table. Spoiled Rich was sipping her tea with her usual air of refinement, while Filthy Rich was engrossed in the morning newspaper.
"Good morning, Daddy! Good morning, Mother!" Diamond Tiara greeted them, giving her father a hug and her mother a curt nod before making her way to her seat.
"Good morning, my little princess," Filthy Rich replied, looking up from his paper. "Ready for another day of school, I take it?"
"Absolutely," she answered confidently. "We got a whole field trip planned today so I honestly can’t wait."
Spoiled Rich glanced at her daughter with a critical eye. "Remember to hold yourself with dignity and grace while you're there, Diamond. You represent our family after all."
"Yes, Mother," Diamond Tiara responded dutifully, though her thoughts lingered on her recent changes. She was determined to be different from the harsh, demanding filly she had once been.
Filthy Rich folded his newspaper and looked at her with genuine interest. "And where is your school headed this time, if you don’t mind me asking?"
Diamond Tiara's eyes lit up with excitement. "We’re actually going to Fluttershy’s animal sanctuary. She said that we can come by and learn about all the different types of creatures that live in Equestira.”
“Ugh…” Spoiled spoke with a huff. “That yellow one right?”
Diamond Tiara felt a pang of annoyance at her mother's dismissive tone towards Fluttershy, but she quickly composed herself.
Diamond Tiara felt a pang of annoyance at her mother's dismissive tone towards Fluttershy, but she quickly composed herself. "Yes, Mother, Fluttershy is one of Princess Twilight's friends. She's very kind and knowledgeable about animals."
Filthy Rich gave his daughter an encouraging nod. "That sounds like a wonderful opportunity, Diamond. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot and have a great time."
Spoiled Rich sighed but said nothing more, her attention returning to her tea.
The rest of their breakfast passed in calm and quiet. Diamond Tiara nibbled on her pastries, her thoughts drifting to the upcoming field trip and the exciting things she would learn at Fluttershy’s sanctuary. Filthy Rich occasionally glanced at his daughter with a proud smile, while Spoiled Rich maintained her usual air of detached refinement.
After finishing her meal, Diamond Tiara dabbed her mouth with a napkin and looked at her parents. "Thank you for breakfast. I should get going now, or I’ll be late for school."
Filthy Rich smiled warmly. "Have a great day, Diamond. We’re proud of you."
"Thank you, Daddy," she said, returning his smile.
Spoiled Rich gave a curt nod. "Remember what I said, Diamond. Dignity and grace."
"Yes, Mother," Diamond Tiara replied dutifully.
Once outside, she smiled as she turned towards Lily, the pegasus mare having had followed her up till that point. “Alright. See you later Lily.”
Lily returned the smile, looking slightly relieved. "Have a wonderful day, Diamond. I'll be here when you return."
Diamond Tiara nodded before trotting off towards the grand gates of her mansion, her saddlebags filled with everything she needed for her field trip to Fluttershy's animal sanctuary. The morning sun bathed everything in a golden light as she made her way through the bustling streets of Ponyville.
As she walked, she couldn't help but notice the vibrant colors of the town around her. Ponies of all kinds were going about their day, some running shops, others chatting animatedly on street corners. It was a stark contrast to the controlled and orderly atmosphere of her home.
Diamond Tiara felt a sense of freedom wash over her, a feeling that she didn't often experience within the confines of her mansion. Even if she had lessoned the rope she had tied around her ever since the filly had told her off during the election, she knew her mother was just waiting for her to slip up, to become the “old Diamond” again. But she was determined to prove that she was capable of change. She quickened her pace, eager to reach the school and begin the day's adventure.
She quickened her pace, eager to reach the school and begin the day's adventure. The thought of spending time at Fluttershy’s sanctuary filled her with excitement. She couldn’t wait to see the different creatures and learn about them firsthand. The field trip was more than just a break from routine; it was a chance for her to connect with something outside her usual world.
Arriving at the school, she joined her classmates who were already gathered and buzzing with excitement about the trip. The first of the fillies to see her approach smiled, the silver furred girl running towards her with a giddy pep in her step.
“D!” Silver Spoon called out, raising her hoof. “Bump, Bump!”
Diamond Tiara's face lit up with a genuine smile as she met her best friend's hoof with her own. “Sugar Lump, Rump!” they finished together, their hooves tapping in their familiar, playful routine. “Hehe. Good to see you Sil. I see you’re excited for the trip like everypony else is.”
Silver Spoon nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Oh, absolutely! I can't wait to see all the animals and learn from Fluttershy. It's going to be so much fun!"
Diamond Tiara chuckled, her heart warming at her friend's infectious excitement. "I know, right? It'll be a nice change of pace from our usual lessons."
“Hey Diamond!” The pink filly’s ears perked at the sound of her name. She turned to find Apple Bloom and her friends making their way towards her. “Hey there! Y'all ready for this field trip?" Apple Bloom grinned, her signature red bow bouncing as she spoke. "I can't wait to see all them critters at Fluttershy's place!"
"I know, right? It's gonna be awesome!" Scootaloo chimed in, hovering beside Apple Bloom with her wings buzzing slightly in her excitement.
Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, her violet mane swaying as she spoke. "I heard Fluttershy has some really rare animals at her sanctuary. I can't wait to meet them!"
Diamond Tiara smiled, genuinely pleased to see the Crusaders. "I'm really looking forward to it too, honestly. I heard she even has ones from across the oceans so no way I’m I gonna not see it.”
“Hey! Why don’t we stick together then.” Sweetie squeaked. “Everything is better when you have friend’s right?”
“I don’t know…” Scootaloo spoke as she rubbed her chin. “I mean maybe in some cases but I def don’t won’t to share my chocolate with you of all ponies Sweetie Belle. You always bite off near half every time.”
Sweetie Belle giggled, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I can’t help it if your chocolate is delicious, Scootaloo!”
Apple Bloom laughed, shaking her head. “Y’all are too much. But I think it’s a great idea for us to stick together. What do you say, Diamond Tiara?”
Diamond Tiara beamed, feeling a warmth in her heart at the thought of being included. “I’d love that. Let’s make this the best field trip ever!”
“Great!” The farm filly exclaimed. “Then we can walk there tagether when we leave.”
“Remember kids!” Cheerilee spoke aloud. “Make sure to use the restroom before you leave.”
“Oops! Speaking of.” The apple filly smiled awkwardly. “Better go take care of that before ah leave. Was too worried I would have been left behind if I didn’t. See ya in a bit Diamond. You too Sil" And with that, Apple Bloom hurried off towards the school to take care of her business, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo following behind her.
“Wow…to think we used to call them names back in the day.” the pink filly mused softly, shaking her head.
Silver Spoon shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. “It's funny, isn't it? We used to call them names back in the day. Now look at us, planning to stick together for the field trip.”
Diamond Tiara nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Yeah, we did. I’m really glad things have changed, though. They’re actually really nice.”
Silver Spoon agreed, her tone softening. “They are. It’s nice to have more friends.” She turned to Diamond. “Speaking of nice ponies…or…well…ya know. The opposite of that. “How’s your mom doing? Getting use to the new you?”
Diamond Tiara's smile faltered slightly at the mention of her mother. She knew Silver Spoon meant well, but talking about her mother always brought a shadow over her mood. Taking a deep breath, she replied, “She’s...the same as always. Busy with her social events and charity work.” Diamond Tiara hesitated before continuing, “But she did let me go on this field trip, so that’s something.”
Silver Spoon nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, that’s something, at least. I hope things get better with her.”
“Thanks, Sil,” Diamond Tiara said, appreciating her friend’s understanding. “I’m working on it. It’s not easy, but I’m trying.”
Before the conversation could get too heavy, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo returned from the restroom, rejoining the group with bright smiles.
“All set!” Apple Bloom announced cheerfully before looking between Diamond and Silver, raising an eyebrow. “You okay? Looks like ya two just stopped in a box a tacks.”
“We’re good!” Diamond Tiara replied quickly, her smile returning as she glanced at Silver Spoon, who nodded in agreement. “Just catching up on old times, that’s all.”
“Ah…So your mother again?” Scootaloo shot.
Silver Spoon roughly nudged the orange filly. “Scootaloo!” she hissed, giving her a pointed look.
Scootaloo blinked before allowing her ears to fold back, realizing she might have overstepped. “Oh! Ah…Sorry, Diamond. I didn’t mean to pry.”
Diamond Tiara shook her head, trying to brush off the tension. “It’s okay, really.” She forced a smile, wanting to keep the mood light. “But today’s not about that. It’s about having fun and learning new things.”
Sweetie Belle quickly chimed in, eager to change the subject. “Right! And we’re going to see so many cool animals today. I can’t wait!”
As they set off on the path to Fluttershy's sanctuary, the group of friends chatted and laughed, their anticipation growing with each step. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the fields and forests they passed through. Birds chirped merrily in the trees, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
Diamond Tiara, having mostly listened to her friends—new and old—conversations, smiled as her gaze fell upon the ponies of Ponyville. She noticed familiar faces: ponies setting up market stalls, chatting with neighbors, and foals playing in the fields. The sight of the lively town filled her with a sense of peace and belonging. It was moments like these that reminded her of how much things had changed for her, and how little she knew out of her own little bubble of self importance.
Everything looked just a little more colorful ever since she stepped out from under her mother’s shadow. Why, she...
The filly paused as a young colt caught her eye. One she had never seen before.
In the shadows of an alleyway, a dusty tan colt watched them with wonder and interest. His spiky orange hair bounced as he tilted his head from one side to the other. Strangely, he wore a long, sleek black glove covering his right foreleg and a tattered, oversized scarf wrapped around his neck, the tail ends of which rested on the ground at his hooves. Yet, despite his unusual attire, Diamond Tiara found his emerald green eyes the most striking feature about him. They were bright and curious, standing out starkly against the dusty tan of his coat.
For a moment, their eyes met, and Diamond Tiara felt a strange sense of connection, as if the colt was trying to communicate something without words. The look of surprise on his face suggested he hadn't expected to be noticed. Before she could react, however, he quickly ducked further into the shadows, disappearing from view completely. Diamond Tiara blinked, momentarily taken aback by the suddenness of his departure.
“Diamond, you coming?” Silver Spoon called out, pulling her back to the present.
“Huh?” The filly looked towards the other foals, having actually got a fair distance away before she had knew it, distracted as she was. “Oh, yeah! Coming!” Diamond Tiara responded, hurrying to catch up with her friends. She cast one last glance at the alleyway but saw no sign of the mysterious colt.
As the group continued on their way to Fluttershy's sanctuary, Diamond Tiara couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity that the encounter with the mysterious colt had sparked within her. She stole glances at alleyways and shadows, half-hoping to catch another glimpse of him, but he remained elusive.
“Who was that…” She spoke softly to herself. “I don’t think I seen anypony like him in Ponyville. With a git up like that he would stand out for sure…”
Diamond Tiara shook her head, trying to push the sighting out of her mind. It was more than likely just somepony who had moved in recently or perhaps a foal who learned at home. She had heard a few parents did that with their foals sometimes.
Diamond Tiara snapped out of her thoughts and smiled at Silver Spoon. “It’s nothing, really. I was just thinking.” She took a deep breath, letting go of her concerns. “Come on, let’s catch up with the others!”
With that, she ran on ahead, her mane flowing behind her as she caught up with Apple Bloom and the other foals. Silver Spoon called out after her, “Wait for me, Diamond! Don’t run so fast!”
~~~
Tan hooves landed gracefully upon the wooden tiles of the roof; emerald green eyes watching the foals as they made their way towards the wooded path he had learned from his reconnaissance was called White Tail Woods. The colt could see the entire group, their laughter and chatter reaching his ears, even from this distance.
Though he knew he should be watching them all, his eyes couldn’t help but stop at the pink filly who had noticed him not too long ago. He quickly shook his head before slapping his cheeks with both of his hooves.
“Focus Himmel. No more slip ups! Watch and observe! That’s what Master wanted.” He sighed as he sagged a bit, slightly annoyed at already having been caught once. “She’s gonna deduct points for sure. I just know it…Can’t mess up anymore!” He breathed in deeply and then out before vanishing down the side of the roof, once again slipping into the shadows.
The path leading to Fluttershy’s animal sanctuary was lined with vibrant greenery, and as Diamond Tiara and her classmates approached the entrance, they could hear the sounds of birds chirping and animals rustling through the trees. The sanctuary was a haven for creatures of all sizes, from tiny birds fluttering in the branches to larger, gentle creatures grazing in the nearby fields. The moment they stepped through the gates, a sense of calm and peace washed over them.
The pink filly took in the serene surroundings, momentarily forgetting the strange colt she had seen earlier. Fluttershy's sanctuary was like a different world compared to the busy dirt roads of Ponyville or even her own home. She could already feel the tension in her shoulders easing as they entered.
“Oh wow…” Sweetie Belle’s voice broke the silence as she gazed at the open fields. “Look at all of the animals! There’s so many of them!”
“I know, right?” Scootaloo added, her wings fluttering in excitement. “I wanna see if Fluttershy has any awesome creatures like a phoenix or a manticore.”
Apple Bloom chuckled at her friend’s enthusiasm. “Scootaloo, I don’t think Fluttershy keeps critters like that here. Even if she did pretty sure she wouldn’t allow little foals near them…But I bet there’s still plenty of interestin’ ones to see.”
Silver Spoon, walking beside Diamond Tiara, adjusted her glasses as she admired the landscape. “This place is, like, so beautiful. I know my family seen to the construction and I looked at a few maps of the place…but to see it all put together is something else.”
“Yeah…” Diamond Tiara agreed, feeling a sense of tranquility she hadn’t expected. “It’s like a whole different world.”
As the group continued further into the sanctuary, they were greeted by none other than Fluttershy herself, her warm smile radiating kindness.
“Good morning, everypony,” Fluttershy said softly, her voice like a gentle breeze. “I’m so happy to have you all here today. I can’t wait to show you around and introduce you to some of my animal friends.”
Silver Spoon couldn’t help but lean over to Diamond, her voice just loud enough for the group to hear. “For somepony named Fluttershy, she sure doesn’t seem all that shy right now. It’s like she’s a totally different pony.”
Sweetie Belle giggled, her eyes gleaming with a playful spark. “That’s because she’s around her animal friends. It’s like… she gets a +2 in charisma whenever she’s with them.”
Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, deadpanning as she glanced over at the white filly. “If you’re gonna be talkin’ like that, no more Oubliettes & Ogres for you, Sweetie Belle.”
Sweetie Belle pouted dramatically, crossing her forelegs. “Oh, come on! It’s a perfect analogy!”
Scootaloo chimed in, snickering. “Actually, it kinda is. Fluttershy’s animal whisperer skill definitely gives her an extra boost.”
"Now," Fluttershy continued in her soft but firm voice, "while many of these animals here are friendly, it always pays to be respectful. Animals can sense when we’re calm and kind, and they’ll trust us more if we show them the same."
The foals nodded eagerly, their eyes wide with anticipation as Fluttershy led them through the sanctuary. Diamond Tiara stayed near the back of the group, her gaze wandering over the tranquil surroundings. The tension that had settled in her after seeing the strange colt earlier had slowly ebbed away, replaced by the peace of the sanctuary.
Sweetie Belle spotted a family of birds nesting in a tree nearby and gasped in delight. "Look at those little chicks! They’re so cute!"
Fluttershy smiled warmly and motioned for the group to come closer but stay quiet. "These are sparrow chicks. They’ve just started to learn how to fly, so their mother is keeping a close watch on them."
Scootaloo leaned forward, whispering to Apple Bloom, "I bet they’ll be flying around like pros in no time. Kinda like me on my scooter!"
Silver smirked. “Yeah, though I’m sure they don’t crash into you make you drop your favorite milkshake.”
Scootaloo’s wings buzzed as she shot Silver Spoon a glare. “Hey, that was one time! And that milkshake was a disaster waiting to happen, anyway. Did you see how many cupcakes you had pile on top of it. I did you a favor honestly.”
The gray filly raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh, really? Doing me a favor by knocking my milkshake into the dirt? I’ll remember that next time I’m about to try some new dessert.”
Sweetie Belle giggled. “I’m with Silver on this one. You definitely owe her a new milkshake for that.”
Scootaloo shrugged, pretending to look innocent. “Hey, all I’m saying is you should’ve gone with something less… top-heavy. Too many cupcakes. No milkshake stands a chance against gravity when you stack it that high!”
Apple Bloom grinned. “Well, y’all better work it out before our next Sugarcube Corner trip. Can’t have dessert wars while we’re trying to enjoy some sweets.”
Diamond Tiara chuckled softly as she watched her old friend and new friends banter. It was as if the bullying that she and Silver Spoon had once dished out never happened. The warmth and playfulness in the air felt genuine, and it made her feel like she had finally found a place where she could belong—without all the pressure, without all the masks she used to wear.
There was a time when Diamond would’ve jumped into that conversation with a snide remark, eager to keep up her image of being superior. But now, sitting back and watching her friends laugh, she felt a sense of peace that was completely new to her. It was nice to just… be.
Diamond Tiara's contented smile faltered slightly as something caught her eye. Turning her head to the side, she noticed a flash of red peeking out from the trees just beyond the sanctuary. It was the same shade of red she had seen on that strange colt earlier—the one who had been watching them in town the alley way.
Her chest tightened with a mixture of curiosity and unease. Why was he following them? What did he want? I have enough to deal with without some crazy colt doing…whatever it is he is doing.
Her gaze lingered on the spot where she had seen the flash of red, but the colt had already vanished into the shadows of the trees. She bit her lip, unsure of whether she should tell the others or keep it to herself. The last thing she wanted was to make a scene, especially after everything had been going so well. But she also couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
"Diamond? Everything alright?" Silver Spoon's voice snapped her back to reality. She was looking at her with concern, clearly noticing the change in her expression.
The pink filly blinked, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," She lied. “Actually…I should go use the restroom…Should have done so before we left silly me.”
Silver Spoon gave her a questioning look, clearly not convinced but nodding anyway. “Alright, just hurry back, okay? We’re about to see the baby critters.”
Diamond Tiara nodded, forcing another smile as she turned away, her heart racing. The colt had vanished again, but the uneasy feeling lingered, pulling at her mind. She made her way toward the restroom, but as soon as she was out of sight from the others, she took a different path—one that led closer to the edge of the sanctuary, where she had seen the flash of red.
Her hooves felt heavy with every step, and the peacefulness of the sanctuary now felt distant, replaced by the strange tension swirling in her chest. What is he doing? she wondered, pushing through the low branches of a tree.
As she approached the area where she’d spotted him, Diamond Tiara slowed her pace, her eyes scanning the trees. The soft rustle of leaves and distant sounds of the sanctuary animals were the only noises around her. For a moment, she considered turning back. Maybe it wasn’t worth it—maybe it was just her imagination.
But then she saw it—a shadow moving in the trees, too quick to be a trick of the light.
“Hey!” Diamond Tiara called out before she could stop herself, her voice sharper than she intended. She stepped closer, her heart thudding in her chest. “I know you’re there! Stop hiding!”
There was a soft squeak, followed by the unmistakable sound of cracking branches before a colt came tumbling out of the treetops, limbs flailing as he crashed through the foliage. Diamond gasped, instinctively stepping back as he landed on the ground with a dull thud, his back cushioned by the oversized red scarf wrapped around him.
For a moment, he lay there, groaning in discomfort, his spiky orange mane sticking out in every direction. His green eyes blinked open, dazed but quickly recovering. He looked up at Diamond Tiara, gasping.
"You!" the colt exclaimed, his eyes widening in recognition as he flipped to his hooves with surprising agility. He pointed at Tiara. "You're the one from back in that town! How do you keep finding me?!"
Diamond narrowed her eyes, her confusion quickly turning into frustration. "What do you mean, how do I keep finding you? You stick out like a sore thumb! You and that dumb scarf of yours.”
The colt's eyes flashed with irritation at Diamond Tiara’s comment, and he tugged on the oversized red scarf with a defensive scowl. "It's not dumb! It's... important."
“How can a scarf be important?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.
The colt puffed out his chest, standing tall with a determined look in his eyes. "It’s my Hero’s Scarf!" he declared, as if that explained everything.
Diamond Tiara blinked, unimpressed. "Your… Hero’s Scarf?" She raised an eyebrow, the skepticism clear in her voice. "What, did you save somepony with it or something?"
Himmel huffed, still tugging on the end of his scarf as if it were a badge of honor. "Well, not exactly. But it’s part of my journey! Every hero needs something iconic, right? And this scarf is mine."
Diamond Tiara couldn’t help but roll her eyes. "Somepony’s been reading too many comic books.”
Himmel huffed again, his cheeks flushing slightly. "So what if I do?" he shot back, his tone defensive. "Heroes in the comics do amazing things, and they always have something that makes them stand out. Why can’t I have my Hero’s Scarf?"
Diamond Tiara sighed, shaking her head. "Because this is real life, not some comic book. Running around with an oversized scarf doesn’t make you a hero."
"Maybe not yet," The coltreplied, puffing out his chest again, "but I will be. You’ll see. I’m just getting started."
Diamond Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Right… well, hero or not, following ponies around in trees isn’t exactly a heroic thing to do."
“I…you…S-Shut up!” Himmel, clearly flustered, turned sharply away from Diamond Tiara, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Before she could respond, Himmel crouched down and leaped, springing from the ground and grabbing onto the tree trunk with surprising agility. Within seconds, he vanished into the treetops, the branches and leaves rustling as he scrambled away, almost as if fleeing the conversation.
Diamond Tiara blinked, watching the tops of the trees sway as he made his escape. "Seriously?" she muttered to herself, exasperated. "He runs off again?"
Shaking her head, Diamond sighed. "That colt’s more trouble than he’s worth… and he's supposed to be some kind of hero?" she grumbled, still hearing faint rustling above her as Himmel continued to retreat into the distance. “Weirdo…”
With a sigh, she turned back toward the sanctuary, trying to push the encounter from her mind. The whole situation was bizarre. She had just wanted a normal day.
The fillylet out a long, exasperated sigh as she made her way back toward the sanctuary. All I wanted was a normal day, she thought, shaking her head. The whole encounter with Himmel had been bizarre, to say the least. A colt with a "Hero's Scarf," jumping from trees and snapping at her like she had somehow wronged him? It was enough to make her wish she had just stayed with her friends the whole time.
As she neared the sanctuary, the peaceful sounds of the animals began to calm her nerves, and she could see the other foals gathered around Fluttershy, completely absorbed in watching the baby animals. Their laughter and excitement brought a small smile to her face. It was a reminder of how far she had come, how different things were now that she had real friends.
Pushing thoughts of Himmel aside, Diamond Tiara approached the group, determined to enjoy the rest of the day. Silver Spoon was the first to spot her, waving her over. "There you are! We thought you got lost or something."
Diamond chuckled, shaking her head. "No, just… needed some air," she lied, not wanting to get into the whole mess with Himmel. "What did I miss?"
Sweetie Belle grinned, her eyes bright with excitement. "Fluttershy just introduced us to the cutest baby rabbits! You should’ve seen them, Diamond. They were so tiny!"
The pink filly felt the tension in her chest ease a little as she let herself get caught up in her friends’ enthusiasm. "Sounds adorable. Anything else on the tour?"
Scootaloo puffed out her chest, clearly thrilled. "We’re about to meet some more exotic animals Fluttershy rescued. I’m hoping we’ll see something cool—like maybe a phoenix or a chimera!"
Diamond Tiara laughed softly. "Knowing Fluttershy, it’ll probably be something a little tamer."
~~~
Himmel dashed through the branches in the treetops, replaying the moment over and over again in his head, frustration bubbling up each time he thought of that stupid pink filly. Great job, Himmel, he thought bitterly. First real conversation, and I tell her to shut up. That's hero material for sure. He sighed, leaping to another branch and resting his head against the tree trunk for a moment, trying to catch his breath.
He didn’t usually lose his temper. Actually, when was the last time I ever lost my temper like that? If he did it was never at anyone else. He really hasn’t talked to anyone else before, living in the badlands as he did with his master. Why did she work me up so much though? Geeze…I just don’t get it…
The colt's path led him deeper into the dark woods, away from the sanctuary and its peaceful atmosphere. The trees grew denser, the shadows longer, as the sunlight struggled to pierce through the thick canopy. This forest was different, wilder. It was the Everfree, a place his master had said would be perfect for setting up camp. Not too many ponies venture into it, she had said. At least, not anyone sane.
Himmel’s hooves carried him deeper into the Everfree with practiced ease, leaping from branch to branch as the forest floor below began to blur into a patchwork of vibrant colors and life. Various wildflowers dotted the ground, their bright petals standing out against the shadows of the trees. Birds flitted between the branches, their songs a sharp contrast to the otherwise eerie silence of the forest. Small creatures scurried about, going about their daily lives.
It was peaceful…in its own weird little way.
Just as Himmel leaped into the air, aiming for another branch, he felt something powerful clamp down on the back of his head. The force was sudden and overwhelming, yanking him mid-flight and slamming him down into the foliage below. The impact knocked the wind out of him, and he tumbled to the ground, disoriented and groaning in pain. Leaves and dirt scattered around him as he lay there, trying to gather his thoughts.
Before he could recover, a hot breath warmed the back of his ear, and a low, gravelly voice spoke. "You were distracted, colt."
Himmel’s heart pounded in his chest. He knew that voice. He could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, not just physically but mentally. It was his master. Slowly, he lifted his head, wincing at the dull ache that throbbed where she had grabbed him.
"Hahaha…Master Grytha…" he managed to breathe out, his voice hoarse.
The towering figure of his master loomed over him, her form barely visible in the dim light of the Everfree. Her sharp, predatory eyes gleamed through the shadows, and her expression was one of stern disapproval. She stood tall, her wings slightly flared, casting an imposing silhouette.
"You lost focus," she said, her tone calm but cutting. "A moment of distraction, and you're on the ground."
The colt forced himself to stand, brushing the dirt and leaves from his coat. He grimaced, his pride stung more than anything else. "I… I wasn’t expecting—"
"Exactly," she interrupted, her voice cold and steady.
Himmel blinked as his vision cleared, getting a good look at the imposing figure before him. His master was a female gryphon, her sharp amber eyes locked onto him with an intensity that made him feel small, even though she wasn’t scolding him outright. The top half of her body resembled a hawk, with sleek feathers and a beak that looked like it could pierce steel. Her bottom half was all panther—strong, agile, and dark, blending seamlessly into the shadows of the Everfree Forest.
Grytha slipped past him with the grace of a predator, her feathers rustling softly in the cool night air. Her sharp gaze flickered over him as she circled, her wings half-spread in a casual but imposing stance.
"Are you done with your recon, then?" she asked, her voice low and edged with amusement. "Or is there another reason you’re back so early, lying in the dirt like a lost fledgling?"
Himmel winced at her words, feeling the sting of her sharp tone as much as the ache in his body from the rough landing. He quickly scrambled to his hooves, trying to collect himself. "I… I ran into some trouble," he muttered, not wanting to admit just how rattled he had been by the earlier encounter with that weird pink filly.
Grytha raised an eyebrow, her amber eyes glinting in the dim light. "Trouble?" She paced around him, her talons clicking softly against the forest floor. "You were supposed to observe, not engage. What kind of ‘trouble’ did you manage to find?"
Himmel hesitated, knowing that admitting to getting caught would only make him seem more foolish. He swallowed hard and forced the words out. "I got spotted."
Grytha paused, turning her head slightly to give him a sideways glance. The corners of her beak twitched, almost as if she was suppressing a smirk. "Spotted?" she echoed, her tone dripping with disapproval. "Impressive."
Himmel’s ears flattened against his head, the embarrassment rising again. "I didn’t mean to. She just… she caught me off guard."
"Caught you off guard?" Grytha shook her head, feathers ruffling in irritation. "You’re supposed to be prepared for anything, especially something as simple as a foal’s curiosity. Letting yourself get distracted in the field—whether by emotions or anything else—is unacceptable."
Himmel frowned, wanting to defend himself but knowing it would only make things worse. Grytha’s words cut deep, but he also knew she wasn’t wrong.
"You were supposed to observe the ponies of this town and learn from them," Grytha continued, her voice as sharp as her talons. She turned to face him fully now, her wings settling against her sides as her amber eyes locked onto his. "What you’ve learned about ponies from your… ugh… comics is only superficial. Real life is not a comic book, Himmel. Ponies are more than stereotypes, and if you continue to underestimate them, you’ll fail."
He opened his mouth to protest, but the truth of her words silenced him before he could speak. He nods. “Yes Master.”
“Still…Getting caught by the filly isn’t the worst thing.” She purred. “I’m sure to her you are nothing but a silly colt playing pretend… Am I wrong?”
"No, you're not wrong," he muttered, frowning.
“Then that’s good. No one shall suspect a thing then.” She smirked. “You shall find yourself in the orphanage on the morrow. The doe that shall be your cover will come in a week's time soon after.” She pulls something from under her wing, a picture of a female deer with a cute yet chubby face. “Pomfy, accomplished opera singer. She’s settling down for a bit and looking to adopt. Heard that Ponyville is the best there is. And you…are going to be the one she will want.”
Grytha's sharp tone left Himmel feeling more unsettled, his mind swirling with the weight of the plan. He studied the picture of Pomfy, trying to imagine what it would be like to pretend to be her adopted child. There was something almost absurd about the whole situation, yet he could see how it might work.
He glanced back at Grytha, who was watching him with that same calculating look, waiting for him to catch up to her scheme.
"So, I just have to wait for her?” he asked, looking at the picture.
"Precisely." Grytha tilted her head, a smirk forming on her beak. "And in the meantime, you observe, listen, and learn while staying in there. This is where the real game begins." She leans into his ear, her beak touching his ear. “Do you remember when you defied me back at the cave…Telling me you want to become a hero? This will be your first real test…Prove to me you can survive…because the second it doesn’t work for you. You are mine again…and I will beat the hero out of you. Do you understand colt?”
Himmel swallowed hard as Grytha’s words sank in, the sharpness of her threat sending a shiver down his spine. He could feel the cold touch of her beak near his ear, the weight of her gaze piercing through his resolve. This wasn’t just some game anymore. This was serious, and the stakes were higher than he’d ever imagined.
"I understand," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, though inside, his heart raced with a mix of fear and defiance.
Grytha pulled back, her smirk widening at his response. “Good. Then don’t disappoint me, Himmel. Now then…shall we dance?”
The colt barely had time to process Grytha’s smirk before he saw her talon swipe toward him. His body reacted on pure instinct, adrenaline kicking in as he jumped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp tips of her claws. His hooves hit the ground with a practiced grace, and without thinking, he flipped backward, landing in a low battle stance. His eyes locked onto Grytha, heart racing, the thrill of danger snapping him into focus.
Grytha chuckled, clearly amused by his quick reflexes. "Not bad, colt. But let’s see if those fancy moves of yours can keep up."
The colt groaned. He knew he wasn’t getting any rest anytime soon.
