Cutie Mark Crusaders were busy setting up their booth for the annual bake sale when Diamond Tiara leaned over with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“It would be a shame if your booth ended up inoperational,” Diamond Tiara said, her voice dripping with her usual sarcasm.

All three braced themselves for the worst, expecting the booth to burst out in flames with them inside.

Diamond Tiara continued, “It would be a shame if… you didn’t have enough decorations to attract customers.” She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a bundle of colorful streamers. “Here, I thought these might help.”

All three looked at each other.

After a long stretch of silence, Apple Bloom asked, "Okay, but why?"

"The school's reputation is at stake," Diamond said simply.

"That's true, but..." Sweetie Belle's voice cracked.

"But what? Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Author's Note

This story participated in the 2024.10 "Uncharacteristic" writing competition

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