Diamond's Evil Journey

Leon jogged to catch up to Diamond “Wait.” he said. Diamond did as he said and turned towards him. He knelt down and took out the pill bottle that Luis gave him “Luis said that these will slow the parasite's growth. I don't know how much time we have but this will give us more.” he opened the bottle and poured one into his hand “Take one.” he said as he held it out for her.

Diamond nodded and swallowed the pill. Leon stood up and took one himself. They then silently decided to move on. In the middle of the room was a large square hole looking down on the lower floor. Leon walked to the ledge and peered over it.

On the lower floor was Ashley who was still bounded to a wall by three metal straps “Ashley!” he then turned to Diamond “she's over here!” he said.

Diamond ran over and looked down. Ashley looked up at them and smiled “Oh I'm so glad to see you two again, I was so scared that I would never see you again!” she said happily.

Diamond glanced around but saw no ladder or staircase leading down to the lower floor “Don't celebrate yet, we need to find a way to get you out of there.” she said.

Leon knew that he couldn't jump down without injuring himself. He then got an idea “Ashley, do you trust me?” he asked.

Ashley was slightly caught off guard by the question “Huh? Of course. Why?” she asked.

Leon took his rifle in his hands and aimed down at her “Then don't move.” he said.

Ashley closed her eyes and braced. Leon fired and the bullet broke the first strap. Ashley screamed out of instinct but noticed that she wasn't hurt. Leon broke the next one and Ashley just let out a frightened whimper. When he broke the last one Ashley put a hand over her heart to calm herself down “You could have told me you were going to do that.” she said.

Before Leon could respond a few cloaked men ran out of a door on Ashley's floor. Leon quickly readied his rifle again “Ashley stay away from them! Diamond help me take them out!” he commanded.

As Leon and Diamond started shooting down at the advancing enemies, Ashley backed up to the wall she was trapped against and cowered.

Once all of them were taken care of Ashley looked up at Leon and Diamond “What should I do now?” she asked.

Leon thought for a quick moment “There has to be a way for you to get up here. Look around.” he said.

Ashley glanced around her and ran up to a door. She grabbed the door knob but it wouldn't budge “It's locked!” she called up to them.

A door near her opened and a red cloaked man ran out and tried to grab her. Ashley shut her eyes in preparation but a few bullets flew through him before he could reach her.

Ashley felt slight relief but she still didn't feel safe. She looked down at the dead body in front of her and saw that he had a key hanging from his neck. She immediately grabbed it and held it up so Leon could see it “He had a key! I think I can get through this door now!” she said.

Leon nodded “Do it and try to find a way up here.” he said.

Ashley frowned and turned to the door wearily “A-alone?” she asked.

Leon didn't feel good about the plan but he couldn't think of any other way “I'd prefer to be there to protect you but we have no choice.” he said.

Ashley glanced back at the door with fear. Diamond hummed in thought. Her mind flashed back to Luis' motionless body and how she felt. Like she could have done something to prevent it. She gained a determined expression “I have an idea!” she called down to Ashley.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Catch me!” Diamond shouted back.

Ashley was caught off guard “H-huh?” she asked.

Diamond took a few steps back before charging forward and jumping off the ledge “Catch me!” she repeated.

Ashley panicked but luckily she was able to catch the filly “Diamond! You should have given me time to get ready.” she said.

Diamond got out of Ashley's grasp and looked back up at Leon “I'll keep her safe and bring her back.” she said.

Leon was shocked by Diamond's actions but shook it off and nodded “Alright, I know I can count on you.” he said.

Leon watched as the two walked though the door and out of sight. Leon found a chair near the wall and took a seat. After a few seconds something crossed his mind. He took out the hand mirror that Luis tried to give to Diamond. He looked into the mirror but didn't see his reflection. Instead he saw what looked like a ceiling.

Leon rubbed his chin in thought “Could there be more to this mirror than meets the eye?” he said to himself.

After a few seconds the view in the mirror shifted and now showed the faces of two ponies “Sweetie?” Filthy asked. His face then fell at the sight of Leon “Another human?” he wondered.

Leon was shocked silent by their appearance. Twilight cleared her throat “You're probably pretty surprised, I'll explain. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is Filthy Rich. We are in another world but we're trying to find one of us that is lost in your world. We already met a human named Luis Sera that said he could help us, do you know him?” she asked.

Leon collected himself enough to answer “I do, or I did. He just died a few moments ago.” he said with a hint of sadness.

Twilight's eyes widened “Oh, I-i'm so sorry. May I ask what happened to him.” she asked.

Before Ieon could answer, Filthy cut him off “I apologize for your loss but he promised to help me find my daughter, Diamond Tiara.” he said.

Leon nodded in understanding “So you two are Diamond's parents?” he asked.

Twilight blushed and shook her head “N-no, he's her dad but I'm just...” she hung her head a bit “I was the one who accidentally sent her to your world.” she said guiltily.

Filthy seemed to have thought of something. He narrowed his eyes at Leon “How do I know that you actually know my Diamond? For all I know you and that Luis could be lying. Give me some proof that you're telling the truth.” he said.

Twilight gave Filthy a surprised look “That's not fair, they haven't given us any reason to doubt them.” she said.

Filthy glared back at her slightly “They haven't given me a reason to trust them.” he countered.

Leon held a hand up to stop their arguing “It's fine, just give me a second to think of a way to prove myself to you.” he said.

Twilight and Filthy calmed down. Leon hummed in thought of what he could do. He suddenly remembered something that happened back in the village. He reached down into a compartment of his belt “She had me hold on to this, I forgot to give it back to her.” he said as he pulled out a small tiara and showed it to them.

Tears started welling up in Filthy's eyes at the sight of the tiara “T-that's her tiara! You...are telling the truth.” he then wiped the tears out of his eyes and collected himself “Fine that proves that you know her, but where is she?” he asked.

Leon carefully thought of how much to tell them “You...missed her. We were just separated.” he said.

Filthy put his head in his hooves and sighed. Twilight gave an exasperated sigh “Will she be back?” she asked.

Leon turned his head slightly to the side. After a few seconds he gave a slight smile “Yeah...yeah she'll be back soon.” he said.

Filthy's face lit up “That's great! Then we can bring her back home!” he said happily.

Leon frowned again “You can't bring her home yet.” he said simply.

Twilight raised a eyebrow “Yeah, Luis said something similar. Something about las plagas and Los Illuminados. He wasn't very clear. Can you explain with more detail?” she asked.

Leon nodded “I do have some time to kill. Alright, I'll start from when I first met Diamond.” he started.

Meanwhile Ashley stood back while Diamond faced a cloaked man. He reached out to grab her but she took her knife in her teeth and stabbed it into his hand. When he staggered back in pain she took out her hand gun and finished him with two shots to the chest.

Ashley had a soft smile on her face “Thank you for offering to protect me. It was very sweet of you.” she said.

Diamond continued walking down the rectangular room “Sweet?” she scoffed lightly “Not many ponies would describe me like that back home.” she muttered.

Ashley raised an eyebrow “What was that?” she asked.

Diamond shook her head and looked up at a metal gate. She then looked to her left to see a crank “Nothing. That probably opens this gate. Do it.” she commanded.

Ashley nodded and walked over to it. She started cranking but looked over sadly at Diamond “Did something happen? You seem...sad.” she said.

Diamond looked away from her and sighed “That mother bucker Saddler killed Luis.” she said as she grit her as the anger washed over her again.

Ashley stopped cranking at the new information but continued shortly after “That's horrible. Were you very close to him?” she asked.

Diamond hung her head as she thought. Why did she care so much about Luis' death? She called him her friend didn't she? She had only met him a few times so why did she call him her friend? Was she that desperate for friends? She shut her eyes as she tried to get her thoughts in order “I...didn't hate him.” she said.

Ashley was going to follow up but when she finished lifting the gate Diamond walked though. In the next room was another enemy. Before he could attack, Diamond stabbed into his heel causing him to fall onto his back. She then jumped onto his chest and stabbed through his forehead.

Once she walked off of the body she saw another hallway blocked off by two metal gates with two more cranks. Ashley walked into the room since it was now safe “I'll take care of this.” she offered as she started cranking the first one. After a few seconds she turned to Diamond “Would you consider Leon your friend?” she asked.

Diamond seemed slightly caught off guard by the sudden question. She paused a second to think “I...yeah I would. I do enjoy his company and we've helped each other so much.” she said.

Ashley nodded and finished cranking. She then walked over to crank the other crank “What about me? Am I your friend?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

Once the gate opened enough, Diamond started walking through it “Stop asking such silly questions.” she said. Ashley sighed but followed her into the next hallway.

They opened the first door they came across but saw that there was no other door so they continued on. The next door led them to a room with three shut gates. Two of them led to the same area from different angles while the last was in that area but led to the next door.

Diamond turned to the left to see a red button on the wall past a table. She walked under the table and jumped up to press the button. One of the first gates opened and Diamond walked in followed by Ashley.

Ashley walked up to a fireplace and saw that there was a small stone square. It had some design but looked as if it was a part of something larger. She grabbed it and decided to hold onto it. Diamond jumped onto a chair to reach another button on a stone pedestal. When she pressed the button a gate opened that led them back to the start of the room.

Diamond face hoofed and stepped off of the chair “That's just great, these buttons are useless. I don't see any others either. How are we suppose to get through?” she wondered.

Ashley started glancing around the room “Maybe they hid the last button?” she suggested.

Diamond thought about that for a moment “That's actually not a horrible idea. Alright, try and find it.” she said. They then started walking around the small space in search for the button. Diamond looked under the few pieces of furniture in the room but found nothing but dust.

Ashley checked a few drawers but they were all empty. She closed them and hummed in thought. She then noticed a bookcase that wasn't flush against the wall. She took a few steps closer to it and looked into the space between it and the wall. She smiled when she saw an indentation with a button in it “I found it! It's behind this bookcase!” she said.

Diamond crawled out from under a couch and tried to shake the dust off of her “I wish you found it before I got myself so dusty.” she said.

They both got on the same end of the bookcase and pushed it out of the way. Ashley then pushed the button causing the last gate to open while one of the others closed. Diamond was just glad to be able to move on. They walked through the two gates and into the next room.

They ended up in a dark hallway. Ashley tried to stay as close to Diamond as possible out of fear. When they made it to a corner Ashley glanced to her left to see a rusty suit of knight's armor. She screamed and fell back onto her behind.

Diamond turned to her and growled “Try screaming louder, I don't think Salazar heard that one.” she said with obvious sarcasm.

Ashley made her way back to her feet and wiped the dust from her skirt “Sorry, I saw that rusty armor and got startled.” she said.

Diamond rolled her eyes and turned away from Ashley “Stop acting like a foal. I swear that even the cry baby crusaders would be handling this better than you.” she said before walking ahead.

Ashley followed sadly behind. They entered a room with four suits of knight's armor near the four corners. There was also a pedestal in the middle. Diamond walked past the pedestal and to the next door. She tried to push it open but it wouldn't budge “Now how are we suppose to get this door open?” she wondered.

“Maybe this will do something.” Ashley said while looking down at the top of the pedestal.

Diamond walked over but was too short to see what Ashley was looking at “Well what is it?” she asked.

“It's a sliding puzzle. Maybe if I solve it then the door will open.” she said.

Diamond sat on the ground “Alright, just try to hurry up.” she said.

Ashley nodded and started on the puzzle “Let's talk Diamond.” she said while still keeping her eyes on the puzzle.

Diamond raised an eyebrow “Why? Shouldn't you focus on the puzzle?” she asked.

Ashley shook her head “Talking will help me focus.” she said.

Diamond sighed “Fine, what do you want to talk about then?” she asked.

Ashley thought for a few moments before smiling “Tell me about your world! Or your family!” she suggested.

Diamond thought it would be hard to describe her whole world so she chose the latter “Well I don't have any siblings so I just live with my dad.” she said.

Ashley frowned slightly “What about your mom?” she asked.

An angry expression crossed Diamond's face “She doesn't live with us anymore. Serves her right.” she said more to herself then Ashley.

Ashley felt like that was a sore subject so she quickly changed the topic “Tell me more about your dad.” she said.

The anger left Diamond's face “He's a business pony and owns one of the largest companies in Equestria. I'm going to take over that company some day.” she said.

Ashley nodded in understanding “So you want to be a business pony? Good for you.” she said.

Diamond turned to her with a raised eyebrow “Want?” she asked.

Ashley's smile faded “Yeah, didn't you say that you wanted to take over your dad's company?” she asked.

“I said that I was going to take it over.” she clarified.

Ashley paused as she tried to figure out what Diamond was saying “So you don't want to do it?” she asked.

Diamond rolled her eyes “No, I...” she paused as she realized something “I don't actually know. Dad always just told me that I was going to inherent his company. I never really thought about if I wanted to. It got even worse when I got my cutie mark.” she said.

Ashley turned her gaze from the puzzle to Diamond “Cutie mark? What's that?” she asked.

Diamond pointed her muzzle towards her flank “That symbol on my flank. Everypony gets one eventually. They show up when somepony finds their special talent or destiny or something.” she said.

“What does yours mean?” Ashley asked.

“My dad always said leadership. He said it meant I was destined to lead his company to greatness. Maybe he was wrong. What kind of leader wouldn't want to run a large company.” she said.

Ashley gave her a small smile “Maybe you weren't destined to lead his company, but I can already tell that you are a great leader. Sometimes I forget if Leon's protecting you or if you're protecting him.” she said with a giggle.

Diamond looked up at her with hope in her eyes “You really think I make a good leader?” she asked.

“Of course! It's obvious that you don't really like me...but you're still sacrificing so much to help me. That's the kind of kindness that a leader needs.” she said.

Diamond felt a sudden wave of guilt “Thanks. S-sorry for being so mean.” she said while trying to avoid eye contact.

Ashley waved her concerns away with her hand “It's okay, I didn't mind. But what would you like to do for a career? Give it some thought.” she said.

Diamond turned her gaze to the floor as she pondered. She then looked up as she thought of something “I actually think I want to do something like I'm doing now. It was really scary when I first came to this world but now I kind of enjoy it. Journeying with Leon, fighting against those parasite infested freaks, and protecting you. It all just makes me feel...” she paused as she thought of the right word “Alive.” she finished.

“Then you should pursue that.” Ashley said.

Diamond's expression fell slightly “As if I could. My dad would never allow me to do something so dangerous. He's so overprotective.” she said.

Ashley walked away from the pedestal and over to Diamond. She knelt down gave her a smile “Your dad can't force you to do something you don't want to. You're the only one who get's to decide what you do with your life. I'm sure if you talked to him then he'd understand.” she said.

Diamond smiled again “You're right. You're smarter than you look.” she then widened her eyes in realization “Sorry I didn't mean to insult you again, it just came out.” she said.

Ashley stood up and giggled “Don't worry, I know you didn't mean it.” she said as she walked back to the puzzle.

Diamond then remembered something “I forgot that I never answered the question you asked earlier.” she gave a big smile “Of course you're my friend.”” she said.

Ashley giggled as she continued the puzzle “You're my friend too.” she said. Ashley just then finished the puzzle and slipped in the last piece. At that moment the next door rose out of the way. They walked in to see another dark and dusty room. To the left they saw what looked like a shrine.

There was a knight statue with a circular object in it's chest. Ashley got a closer look at it to see that it had an insignia that she remembered from elsewhere in the castle. She took the emblem out of the statue which caused the wall to rotate, taking the statue with it. It was replaced with a blue chest.

They then heard a crashed and turned around to see that the door had closed. Diamond quickly ran to it and tried to get it open. After a few seconds she gave up “It's no use, we're locked in.” she said.

Ashley felt guilty since she caused it but glanced back to the chest. She opened it to reveal a stone ornament that resembled a snake attached to another animal's hind legs. She thought that they might need that so she took it too.

Diamond was inspecting the door for some way to get it open again. Suddenly it rose out of the way again. She was about to sigh in relief but stopped when she heard the sound of metal banging on stone. She then noticed the suits of armor from the last room walking towards her carrying two handed axes.

Her eyes widened and she turned to Ashley “We have to get out of here!” she shouted. Ashley turned to see the armor enter the room. Diamond took out her revolver and shot a few bullets at them. The bullets dented the armor and staggered them but they recovered quickly.

One got close enough to her and raised it's axe for an attack. Diamond jumped out of the way and saw an opening to the door “Come on! Hurry!” she shouted to Ashley.

Ashley tried to get past her fear and ran towards the opening. As she past one tried to take a swing at her but she was fast enough to get away from it. Once they were both past the four suits of armor they ran as fast as they could through the hallway.

When Ashley arrived at the corner with the other suit of armor she saw that it was ready for her. It already had it's axe in the air and swung it towards her. Ashley froze in fear but Diamond tackled her out of the way with all her strength.

The axe crashed into the ground and the armor fell apart due to the impact. Ashley recovered and got to her feet “That was close. Thank you.” she said.

Diamond just tried to push her to continue “Thank me later, run now!” she said. Ashley nodded and they ran into the next room. After quickly running through the gates they went towards the next door. Before they reached it a suit of armor in the corner swung an axe down towards Diamond. She barely dodge and the suit fell apart. Ashley opened the door and diamond was about to follow until she got an idea.

She took the dropped axe in her teeth and dragged it out into the hallway. Ashley slammed the door and looked down at Diamond “Why did you bring that?” she asked.

Diamond dropped the large axe and pointed towards the door “Jam the door with it.” she said. Ashley nodded in understanding and grabbed the axe. She struggled to lift it but eventually got it jammed between the door and the wall.

Ashley took a calming breath “I hope that will hold them.” she said.

“We should hurry either way.” Diamond said.

“Where to? I think we checked every room around here.” Ashley said back.

Diamond thought for a moment then remembered something “We didn't look very long at that room.” she said while pointing at the other door in sight.

Ashley agreed and they headed into the room. When they walked in they didn't see much that looked useful. Ashley walked up to a round dais with a handle sticking out the side of it. She took hold of the handle and tried pushing it but it wouldn't budge.

She then noticed a small circular indentation in the middle of the dais. Diamond walked up behind her “Did you find something?” she asked.

Ashley took out the emblem she found and looked between it and the indentation “Maybe.” she said as she inserted the emblem. She then tried pushing the handle and was surprised that it was moving. She pushed it around the dais until the wall behind it slid away to reveal a ladder.

Diamond smiled “Yes! Great job Ashley!” she complemented.

Ashley blushed out of embarrassment and smiled. They then wasted no time climbing the ladder. They followed a hallway until they reached a door. Diamond pushed the door open to see the floor higher floor they were looking for. Leon saw them enter and shot up from his seat “Ashley! Diamond!” he called.

They ran up to each other and Leon knelt down to allow Diamond to hug him. Ashley joined in the hug and after a few seconds they separated. Leon turned his attention down at diamond “You did a great job. I think you deserve a reward.” he said with a knowing smile.

Diamond raised an eyebrow in suspicion “Reward? What are you talking about?” she questioned. Leon pulled out the hand mirror and Diamond narrowed her eyes “Is that the mirror Luis wanted me to have for some reason?” she asked.

Leon laid it down on the floor in front of her “You shouldn't have brushed it off so quickly. Look into it.” he said.

Diamond hesitantly looked down into the mirror and was shocked to see the faces of Twilight and her father “W-what?” she asked in surprise. Filthy and twilight were smiling but quickly lost the happy expressions at Diamond's condition.

Twilight recovered quickly to speak “Hello Diamond Tiara. I know that you're confused but we've been looking for a way to get you back home since I sent you away.” she said.

Diamond recovered from her shock “Wait does that mean that you know how to get me home?” she asked.

Filthy nodded “Yes. From what I understand, all you need to do is-”

“No you can't! Don't do it!” she said in a panic.

Filthy was caught off guard by the outburst. Twilight gave a sad nod “Yes, Leon informed us of everything that happened to you since your arrival in that world. Including the parasite you're infected with. We know what will happen to you if it grows to adulthood.” she said.

Both Twilight and Filthy started looking depressed. Ashley got into view of the mirror and gave a look of determination “Don't worry, we'll find the cure! I know we will!” she said.

Filthy raised an eyebrow at the new human “Now who's this?” he asked.

Diamond giggled “That's Ashley, another friend of mine.” she said.

Twilight nodded in understanding “Oh Ashley! The human you helped save. I'm surprised that you made so many friends in another world.” she said.

Diamond's face fell “Well I've made a lot more enemies.” she said.

Filthy cringed slightly “That brings me to something I wanted to talk about. Leon told us about the many encounters you had with...dangerous creatures and how you had to fight for your life. And I can't help but notice what looks like dried blood on your coat.” he said. He gulped before continuing “You haven't been...using lethal force...have you?” he asked, desperately hoping for a negative answer.

Diamond first thought about lying but decided that there was no reason to “I had no choice. They weren't gonna show me mercy so why should I?” she said.

Filthy and Twilight were stunned silent by the words coming from the young filly. Diamond sighed and ignored their horrified looks “Look, that doesn't matter right now. What does matter is that my life and the lives of my friends are on a timer. I'm going to do whatever I have to so we can find a cure.” she said.

Filthy shook away his shock “I can't believe this. Fine, we won't bring you back yet so you can look for the cure. But I want regular updates, every five minutes. Do you understand?” he asked.

Diamond gave a exasperated sigh at her overprotective father “We don't have time to stop every five minute. I'll check in sometimes but I don't know when okay?” she said.

Twilight put a comforting hoof on Filthy's shoulder and turned to Diamond “That's fine, just do your best. Can I speak to Leon again?” she asked.

Leon heard the request and took the mirror in his hand. Twilight put on a pleading expression “Please keep Diamond safe. It's my fault that she's in such a dangerous situation in the first place. I don't know what I'd do if I knew she died because of me.” she said.

Leon nodded “I'll do my best but she may not need it. Even at her age she's very skilled in combat. I've been trained for years and she even impresses me sometimes. She'll be home safe and sound, trust me.” he said.

Twilight managed a small smile and the image in the mirror shifted to show a ceiling. Leon knelt down to Diamond and held out the mirror to her “You should hold on to this.” he said.

She took it and placed it in her saddle bag. Leon stood and immediately got a call on his communicator. He answered it to once again see Salazar “Aww what a sweet little reunion scene.” he said in mock sincerity.

Leon narrowed his eyes at him “Scene? I don't remember being a part of some story.” he said.

“You are but a small part in a much larger story, my story. Be glad I chose to include you.” he said.

Leon scoffed “If this is your story then it'll end in tragedy.” he said.

Salazar smirked “Make jokes while you can Mr. Kennedy, because your final scene will be coming soon enough.” he let out a cackle before the line cut out.

Leon put the communicator away and turned to Diamond and Ashley “Come on, Salazar wants a good story so let's give it to him.” he said.

Diamond grinned “I can't wait to shut that wannabe up.” she said. With that they continued down a new hallway.

Twilight laid the mirror down and turned to Filthy who obviously had a lot on his mind “Do you need to talk?” she asked in the most comforting tone she could muster.

Filthy took a second to get his thoughts in order before speaking “It's just...you saw her. You heard what she said. My little filly is a killer.” he said in horror.

Twilight thought about the best thing to saw to put his mind at ease “She...she said she had no other choice.” she said with unease. She then thought of something “It's just like soldiers. They sometimes have to kill but it's out of necessity. We don't view them as killers.” she said.

Filthy glared at her “My Diamond is not a soldier! She's gonna be the head of my company one day! She shouldn't have to kill!” he said in panic.

Twilight took hold of his hoof to calm him down “I don't like to see a filly covered in blood either, but at the moment there's nothing we can do.” she said.

Filthy pulled his hoof out of her grasp “We could at least try something. Why can't we bring her back and try to get rid of that parasite ourselves. You could think of something, right?” he asked.

Twilight sighed “It's a parasite from a different world. I'd need a lot of time to research it and run tests to see what makes it tick. By what I heard from Leon, she might not have all that time.” she said grimly.

Filthy sat on the floor and hung his head “At least I'd be able to say goodbye.” he said quietly as tears started forming in his eyes.

Twilight wiped the tears from his eyes “Hey, you trust your daughter don't you?” she asked.

Filthy wasn't expecting the sudden question but still nodded “Y-yeah, I trust her.” he said.

Twilight gave him a gentle smile “Then you have to trust that she'll be alright.” she held out a hoof to him “Come on, how about we inform the princesses about what we found out.” she offered.

Filthy took her hoof and she helped him stand back up “Okay.” he said. Twilight started walking but Filthy stopped her “Twilight, thank you for everything.” he said.

Twilight smiled back at him “What are friends for?” she said. They then walked off to another room.