Of Apples and Oranges, Diamonds and Darkness.

Apple Bloom watched from the upper-deck of the Ponyville Library as her friends scurried about town with Diamond Tiara. From what she could tell they had tried plenty of things in the quest for their cutie marks: Pig catching, pizza delivery, cart, wagon painting, interior design, and breaking the rcord for the longest time a pony has ever spin in a circle without falling.  All innocent, all fun, and all futile; by the end of the evening, they were sulking to their respective homes in defeat. Scootaloo took Diamond Tiara home as Sweetie Belle went to her parents' house.

Apple Bloom had been up on the porch for some time. Twilight decided to let the filly keep to herself, but after a solid two hours and no sign of having moved from the same slouched, sullen perch, Twilight decided enough was enough.

“Apple Bloom, I think we need to talk.” Twilight began as she made her way onto the deck where sure enough, Apple Bloom still sat.

“It's okay Twilight.” Apple Bloom mumbled.

“No, it isn't okay Apple Bloom!” Twilight lectured, “You have been up here for the better part of two hours feeling sorry for yourself.”

“Ah'm just tired is all.” Apple Bloom lied.

“Apple Bloom, something is bothering you and we ned to be able to talk about these things remember?” Twilight turned the filly around so she was facing her.

“Ah'm sorry fer bein' such a downer, Ah'll come inside now.” Apple Bloom attempted to make her way through the door but was stopped by a lavender hoof.

“Not until I know what is wrong.” Twilight wasn't going anywhere.

Apple Bloom sat for a moment with a pouty face and pleading eyes hoping to avoid having to talk but it was no use; Twilight's face was unchanged and unmoved.

“Fine!” Apple Bloom huffed. “Scootaloo an' Sweetie Belle are friends with Diamond Tiara an' they invited her to the clubhouse! Ah said ah didn't want her there and they told me ta git out!”

“Why would you not want here there?” Twilight asked.

“'cause she's a bully! She 's nothin' but a good fer nothin' brat!”

“Apple Bloom...” Twilight sighed, “Have you ever considered that maybe Diamond had matured and changed for the better like you three did? It has been some time since we've been here. I don't think Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle would be around her if she hadn't shown some kind of kindness.”

“Ah jus' don't trust her Twi, she's up to her no-good tricks again ah just know it!”

“How?” Twilight pressed.

“What?”

“How do you know she is being manipulative? Where is your evidence she has ill intent?”

“Ah....don't....b-but Twi!--”

“But nothing Apple Bloom. Remember when Spike tried to hurt you? You don't hold a grudge against him do you?”

“No ma'm.”

“And what about Scootaloo, with that exception of today you two have been fine as well despite how she treated you right?”

“...right ma'm.”

“I'm not trying to say you're entirely wrong on being carious, but you should give her a chance too. Most bullies are bullies because they are alone or even tormented themselves,. Remember your cousin from Manehatten?”

“That's what Scootaloo said!”

“She had a point then Apple Bloom. You're a very sweet, industrious, and likeable filly, but holding a petty grudge against somepony who is extending a hoof in friendship is not something I would think of you to do. Am I mistaken?”

Apple Bloom hung her head; Twilight was right. “No ma'm.”

“Alright then, I expect you to be polite and friendly towards Diamond Tiara even if she isn't the same to you; it is important to face foes with friendship, you may get something incredible out of it—like a new friend. Does that make sense?”

“Yes ma'm.”

“Excellent. One thing though Apple Bloom, that tree-house is not 'yours'; it was and is still for you three girls to play in. If Scootaloo and/or Sweetie Belle wish to bring other fillies and colts in or around it, they have every right to do so and you may not tell them otherwise. Am I clear?”

“...B-but--”

“Apple Bloom?”

“..Yes ma'm.”

“Good. You should come inside soon. Spike is at the market now getting some ingredients for tonight: We're all invited to dinner at Rainbow Dash's house—something about a colt-friend of hers she wants us to meet—Anything else bothering you?”

“That's it...Thank you Twilight.”

“That's what I'm here for Apple Bloom. If you ever have anything on your mind just let me know and I can do my best to help you.”

The two hugged for a little before Apple Bloom followed Twilight inside to help Spike prepare their contribution to tonight's dinner.

Scootaloo was still waiting at Ponyville Park waiting for Rainbow Dash to bring her home. She had heard of the dinner only through Rarity discussing it with Fluttershy as Scootaloo passed the Boutique while taking Diamond Tiara home.

She was curious as to why she wasn't aware of this; Rainbow Dash had said this mysterious stallion would be over this coming weekend not tonight. As Rainbow glided down to where Scootaloo sat, the filly prepared her questions.

“Ready to go kiddo?”  Rainbow sat down so Scootaloo could mount her back.

“Yeah.” Scootaloo answered as she got on and they began to ascend.

“You sound kind of 'meh'” Rainbow observed, “You alright squirt?”

“When were you going to tell me we were having somepony over for dinner?” Scootaloo asked.

“It happened during the day, It's not like I planned it in secret or something. You know now right?”

“Yeah..sorry mom.” Scootaloo let herself relax as they were pushing through some thick clouds.

“I'm not sure if I like the whole 'mom' thing....mind if you just call me Dash and stuff? Sounds kind of sappy.”

“Sure.” Scootaloo answered. “You mind not calling me 'Squirt'?” She joked.

“Oh no no kid, you earned that title.” Rainbow laughed.

They landed at the porch and made their way inside where it looked like Rainbow Dash had been preparing her main room for the guests with a table, chairs, and decorations. Rather elaborate for Dash Scootaloo thought, but it looked nice.

“Did you do all of this?” Scootaloo asked. “It looks really good.”

“No, 'Shy came by today and helped out with the frilly stuff. I'm not done yet though—you know how to cook?”

“Uh....sort of.” Scootaloo followed Dash into the kitchen.

On the counter Dash had some ingredients for some pastries with some instructions in handwriting.

“Why didn't you have Pinkie Pie do the treats?” Scootaloo asked as she looked about the assembly.

“She's busy making a ton of other stuff, figured I'd make some food to as everypony else is bringing something.”

Dash and Scootaloo slowly began to crack eggs, mix various things, and slowly create their dish.

“So, can you tell me who this stallion is?” Scootaloo asked while she watched Rainbow put a sheet in the oven.

“I already said Scoots', you're just gonna wait and see like everypony else. I want it to be a surprise.”

“If you say so..” Scootaloo grimaced.

“So how exactly are we going to go about visiting Rainbow Dash's house?” Rarity asked as she and several others were assembled in Twilight's Library.

“The cloud-walking spell should last for 24 hours or so so we should all be fine.” Twilight said ass she re-read the book pertaining to casting this spell. She was going to be performing this on several ponies so she wanted to make sure to do it right.

“I wonder who this stallion is!” Sweetie Belle mused, “Scootaloo doesn't even know!”

“Well I suppose Dash simply wants to introduce him herself—perfectly reasonable I suppose.” Rarity answered. She wasn't a huge fan of being out of the loop on things like this.

“I'm excited, she seems really happy.” Fluttershy said,. “I was up at her house helping her decorate—I don't think I've seen her like this before.”

“Well once Pinkie comes with her goods we'll be ready to go.” Twilight smiled.

“We've been waitin' forever!” Apple Bloom whined, “Why can't we go now?”

“Pinkie has the hot-air-balloon too thus patience is obligatory.” Twilight answered.

Pinkie finally arrived with an enormous cache of cake, cookies, cupcakes, and candy. They all took their turn being cast by Twilight, and then out to the balloon where they boarded and loaded the basket with their goods.  It took some time, mainly because Rarity had to scurry back to her boutique to change her hat—they finally landed on the porch where Scootaloo greeted them.

Once incide they all made themselves comfortable at the table with the three fillies going to Scootaloo's room to play before the guest arrived.

“I'm nervous girls.” Scootaloo was pacing back and forth. “Why is she keeping a secret?”

“I wouldn't think too much about it Scoots'.” Sweetie replied.  “Rarity has had all sorts of weird guests and stallions, she just wants it to be fun!”

“I guess you're right.” Scootaloo smiled. “No point in getting all worried, it's so cool everypony is up here!”

“What can we do now that we're all up here?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I could show you guys the rainbow water-falls, they're pretty cool.” Scootaloo added.

They went out through the hall and observed the impressive rainbow waterfalls. Sweetie Belle stuck her tongue out and attempted to taste it, only to be repelled by how awfully bitter it was.

“Blegh!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, “What the hay is it made of?”

Following a fit of laughter, Scootaloo came to her side and parted some knowledge.

“Rainbow Dash says it is made of specially made water from Cloudsdale—see the blue-ish cliuyds up there?--those are hoof-made and combine to make these rainbows.”

“But what are they for?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Not sure honestly, never asked.” Scootaloo answered.

Their attention was changed when Sweetie whipped her head to see something—she heard something.

“What was that?” Scootaloo asked.

“Sounds like somepony just arrived.” Sweetie Belle answered.

The three of them trotted around the deck and back inside.