Chapter 9: Diamonds

There are times a man must endure pain for others around him, why does he? A man may protect the ones most precious, family, friends or lovers. Another man may protect his fellow partners in crime against justice for dark needs. Will a man take the pain in place of his loved ones or will another man give pain or his own desire? How far would you go? What kind of man are you?

---

Joseph Brooklyn is walking to the Sweet Apple acres attending his first day of work, after having his tour with Rainbow Dash, he began to think of such thoughts that could cause a shock for his friends and the co-rulers of Equestria. He didn't want to return to Earth, although some problems still occurred, he did want to see his father and the sweet shop owner.

'Alright, when I meet Princess Celestia next time, I'll tell her that I want to stay here forever, but what if she says no? Oh no, come on Joe, you've been thinking about this all night, no turning back' Joe thought seeing an image of his father and the sweet shop owner 'I'll need to ask her about them'.

Equestria for Joe is a beautiful land far beyond America's, it's peaceful, mostly everypony is friendly and caring. It will still take some time until the Equestians fully accept him into their society, he was willing to accept all the time in the world.

"Hey mister, you're Joseph Brooklyn right?" somepony said behind him, female.

Joe Turned around seeing a very light turquoise coat unicorn, eye colour moderate orange and a unique mane that pale, light grayish cyan with white highlights. The cutie mark is a harp in his point of view "That's right, Miss?".

"Call me Lyra" she said extended her hoof out.

Joe took the hoof, shaking it "It's...a pleasure to meet you Lyra" he realised she made a human gesture.

Lyra chuckled at his curiosity "I guess you're wondering why I offered a hoofshake?".

Joseph released his grip on Lyra's hoof "I thought you might have picked it up from me and wanted to try it out but I'm clearly wrong, whys that?".

Lyra stared down at her hooves "I'm not so sure myself on why I do it sometimes, I've been watching you since you came, the way you sit is how I sit".

Joe scratched his head "You sit...like a human? Now I've heard everything".

"Yeah I get that a lot from Bon Bon, we didn't know what would sit like that until you came, so I was sitting like a human? At least I know what to call it" Lyra giggled at the end.

"Lyra! What are you doing with ?" another female pony shouted. An Earth pony whos coat colour is pale cream, her eye colour moderate cyan and her mane is dark blue with pink highlights.

Lyra snapped her head around "Whoops! That's Bon Bon, sorry but I've got to go now, I'll see you next time!" she trotted to the pony walking closely by her side.

Joe watched her walking besides the pony BonBon, the way they acted with each other seemed more then friendship, he chuckled "Those two are in a romantic relationship...hope you two have a wonderful future" he whispered.

Remembering he had a Job needing attending to, he jogged the rest of the rest of the way to Sweet Apple Acres. Trying to make up time from chatting with Lyra 'Better see Applejack or I'll be scolded'.

---

Joe reached the Farm hopefully not late, walking into the countless amount of apple trees in search the barn or bumping into Applejack. An apple fell from the tree, Joe saw it falling down in front of him, he caught the apple before it landed on the ground. Looking at the red apple, it's shiny as a polished cherry, his mind urging to eat the apple, he managed to resist the temptation.

'As they say, don't eat the apple from the tree' Joe thought.

He heard sounds of grunts and trees being hit by a pair of hooves, he chuckled knowing who it is "Hope she's not over doing herself".

Following the source, Joseph came across the only and only Applejack, doing her usual routine of bucking apples making them fall into the baskets perfectly. By the looks of her, she wasn't breaking a sweat. She heard the steps that belonged to a human, stopping herself bucking a tree steadily put her hind legs on the ground.

"Y'all sure took yer time on getting here" Applejack said, leaning on her crossed right hoof.

"Sorry about that Applejack, a pony called Lyra came up to me" said Joe.

Applejack tilted her head "Lyra? Why?".

"She wanted to confirm the way she sits, the way she greeted me is what a human would do, extend your hand for a handshake, in her case a hoofshake".

Applejack smirked "Fancy that huh? Y'all be surprised what ponies round these parts are like".

Joe chuckled "True but Pinkie Pie beats them all!".

The two of them laughed, Applejack broke their fun by coughing "That's enough fun time for now, we gotta buck these here apple trees, get em packed and on the road to the square".

Joe stretched his arms out, hearing pops "Okay then, where should I start?".

Applejack brought her hoof to her chin "How bout this, Ah'll buck the tree and y'all carry those baskets to the wagon back at the barn".

Joe happily obliged "Of course" he went over to the baskets.

Lots of apples filled them both separately, both of them having two bags each. He lifted the first basket placing it on his left shoulder, kneeling down for the other one, slipped his arm under and lifted it up to rest on his right shoulder.

Applejack felt jawless seeing him pick two baskets that had four apple filled baskets which should weigh a ton 'Apple fritters! Carry one of those is my current limit! Boy howdy, sure is stronger then he looks' she blushed at the thought.

"Okay I'm off to put them in the wagon, I'll be back for the others!" Joseph yelled back, popping Applejack's day dreams.

"Bweh? O-Oh! Alrighty then! Watch yourself now!" she called back 'get a hold of yourself girl, gotta think straight'.

Joe carried the baskets all the way passing through trees, looking for a path he eventually found. Walking down the dirt path, he saw the barn just up ahead and the cart wasn't too far away from him.

Big McIntosh is inspecting the wagon's wheels, making sure it nothing will cause an accident on their way.

Joseph saw him, same expression the time they met "Hey! Big Mac!" he shouted, jogging up to the red stallion.

Big Mac adjusted his eye sight seeing Joe, he let out a welcoming smile "Mornin Joe, welcome on yer first official day of work here".

He shook his head right "Put em' in the wagon".

Joe carried the baskets in the wagon, dropping them inside carefully "How's everything here?" he asked.

Big Mac chewed the wheat shifting his vision at the sky "Apple Bloom and her friends sure are happier that ya told em' yer little speech on cutie marks. Granny Smith is doin' okay. Applejack...well".

Joe got worried when he hesitated about Applejack "Is something wrong with her? She seemed very well this morning".

"She's healthy and fit, what worries me is that is getting distracted about something, ain't like her".

"Did she tell you anything?".

Big McIntosh calmly closed his eyes "Nnnope, she just told me nothin is wrong, she may be the element of honesty but Applejack ain't good at lying. Don't press her about this issue, she'll come round eventually. You better get going, apples need to be delivered in 20 minutes".

Joe fell on his backside "T-Twenty minutes! Now you tell me!" he shouted, sprinting off into the trees almost resembling a cheetah's astonishing speed.

Big Mac smiled "If only ya realised ya got secret admires here in Ponyville".

---

In less then 10 minutes, all the apples are loaded onto the wagon, Joe huffed and puffed in exhaustion. The weight took it's toll on him, the quicker he did, the more heavier, the more tired Joe became. Both Applejack and Big McIntosh were astounded he did so much in 20 minutes, Applejack trotted next to him.

"Ah've seen everything! You're pretty strong, guess ah underestimated yer strength" Applejack patted his pack.

Still catching his breath, he made a goofy smile "T...Thank you".

Applejack trotted over to the wagon, Joe saw her shuffling things around, searching for something "Now where is that darn...aha!" she perked up.

She had a small sack in her mouth making jingles as it shook, Applejack walked towards Joe "Here ya go, y'all earned it" she muffled.

Joseph curiously extended his hand out for the sack, she placed the bag in his palm, Joe stared down at the sack then up to his friend. Applejack nodded, encouraging him to open it, he loosened the string revealing it containments, bits.

"200 bits for ya, use em well" she advised.

Big Mac and Applejack felt force on their necks, Joe brought them all in a hug "You don't have to give me this".

Big McIntosh chuckled softly "Hard workers deserve something".

Applejack brought her fore leg around Joe's neck returning the hug "That's right sugercube, don't y'all ever think you don't deserve nothin".

Joe sighs happily "Thank you guy's. Need any help with the wagon?".

"Nah, but thanks for the off-" her sentence was cut off by another voice behind Joseph.

It was Twilight's number 1 assistant Spike and Joe's best friend running up to them "Joe! Hey Joe!" he shouted.

A surprised expression appeared on Joe's face "Spike, what are you doing here?"

The baby gem dragon stopped in front of Joe, breathing heavily "Rarity...wanted...me to...help her collect...diamonds".

Joseph felt confused, why is Spike telling him? He crossed his arms putting a shy smirk on "Congratulations Spike, why are you telling me though?".

Spike felt awkward as he rubbed his arm "I thought...maybe...you'd want to help us...if your not busy I mean".

"Are you sure? I don't to ruin your moment with..." Joe spoke out but got cut off when Spike waved his arms around madly.

"Not so loud! Applejack and Big Mac might hear you!" he whispered.

Applejack laughed "Why cover it up sugercube? Everypony except Rarity knows yer crush on her".

Spike blushed lightly, rubbing his claws together showing how nervous and embarrassed he was. Joe chuckled, walking closer to Spike's side, he extended his arms out wanting his best friend climb up.

Spike smiled at Joe, jumping in the air and grabbing onto Joe's hand. Spike climbed to his now favourite place in Equestria, Joe's shoulder "Thanks Joe, your a great friend".

Joseph nodded then started walking down the road, he spun his body around meeting the Apple family "Thank you for the bits! I'll see you soon?".

Applejack winked at them "No problem Joe, you boys take care now. Good luck diamond hunting with ol' Rarity".

Joe and Spiked waved their goodbyes as the human walked down the path for Ponyville. Spike looked back at Joe's face, his eyes full of curiosity "Joe...are you and Applejack...y'now?".

Joe stared at Spike raising his eyebrow at him "What do you mean Spike?" he asked.

"Applejack seems to like you a lot and I mean a lot, are you guy's going out?" Spiked said making Joe tripped but he caught his balance.

Joe stared at Spike looking more confused, shocked, embarrassed then ever "I-I-I-I...What-What do you mean? We're just really good friends".

Spike face palmed "Dude, how did you not notice? Applejack totally likes you, even Pinkie, Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow Dash...even Rarity" he said sadly when he mentioned the name of his crush.

Joseph didn't know what to make of this, his friends, quickly accepting him into their society and becoming friends in just one week 'E-Everyone...likes me? As a friend...yes of course that's what Spike meant...didn't he?' he thought.

"Spike..." Joe started "Please explain what you mean by everyone 'liking' me?".

Spike already felt bad for even brining this topic up "Like you as in they...never mind, forget I said anything".

As much as Joe didn't the topic being dropped, he thought it was for the best. He sighed heavily, bringing his fingers to rub his eyes from stress 'Feeling's for me...I don't know if that should be a good thing or a bad thing. We're two different species for crying out loud...I love them all as my friends but going further? I don't know. Besides, girls didn't really find me attractive, I never found any girl attractive...but here...Twilight and the others are really...cute. I-I'm sure Spike was just teasing me, no good thinking too hard from a little tease'. Joe thought seriously.

Spike waved his hands in front of Joe's face "Joooe? Snap of it! We're here." he said.

Joseph never realised he is stood in front of Rarity's house, his train of thoughts really got the best of him today "Oh...I never realised".

Joe seen a sign on Rarity's door 'closed', he moved his around around meeting Spike's nervously excited expression "Uh...it says 'closed'".

Spike waved his hand forward "We can just go straight in, knowing you though, you can knock on the door for safety".

Joe went up in front of Rairty's door, knocking gently a few times. They heard shuffling and hooves being heard "Just a minute please!" a familiar pony with a posh accent.

Rairty's door swung open, showing a beautiful purple haired mare wearing her glasses, she looked very surprised seeing him of a sudden "Joseph darling, whatever are you doing here?" she asked, her cheeks turning pink.

"Spike said you're going to collect some jewels, he asked me if I would help you, I accepted" Joe said pointing at a blushing Spike.

"That's generous of you Spike but are you sure about helping us Joseph dear?".

Joe gave her a thumbs up "Of course Rarity, I'll do anything for my friends in need".

Rarity slowly smiled "Oh Joseph...you're so kind. Um...we're leaving right now, since you're so strong can you help pull a bigger cart along the way?".

"Sure, no problem" said Joe very eager to help his friend 'why did she blush when she looked at me?' he thought.

---

Later in the afternoon, the trio sorted their things together, Joe pulled Rarity's cart which turned out it wasn't big as he imagined. She compared the cart Spike was intentionally going to pull, small, his one is big as any average body of a pony. Joe asked why Rarity wanted jewels, she made his question as if it is the dumbest question of all. But he knew she didn't mean it, eventually Rairty explained the jewels are needed for her biggest project yet, to create jewel-encrusted clothing at the request of a famous pony.

Rarity walked by Joe's side almost very close, he didn't stir at this, Joe is busy pulling the cart with Spike sitting inside grinning widely "This is awesome!".

Joe laughed at his best friends nature "Oh Spike, it's just a little ride" he said.

Rarity rolled her eyes in response "Oh my, are you absolutely fine pulling the cart with Spike inside?".

"Of course Rarity, we're having fun aren't we Spike?" Joe said awkwardly, Rarity acted a little serious.

Spike crawled his way on Joseph's shoulder, nudging his cheek "Sure am".

The mare watch the two of them laugh together, their smiles being ever so bright, their eyes sparkled from the sun rays 'Maybe I was a bit harsh, the two of them are almost...brothers'.

As Rarity and Joe walked over a hill seeing a open field of dirt with a few rocks spread out, Joe felt confused and decided asking Rarity where they are "Um...Rarity, where are we?".

Rarity flicked her hair dramatically "This is where the jewels are darling".

"Really? I don't see anything" Joe pointed out.

Rarity let out an amused chuckle "Allow me and Spike to show you, come this way please" she said, trotting off into the open field of dirt with glee.

Spike hopped out of the cart quickly jogging by the mare's side. Joseph watched them as he pulled the cart 'oh Spike, when will you confess your feelings to her?' he thought.

Rarity's horn suddenly started glowing in her magic aura, she dispersed the magic "Spike dear! Could you dig here please?".

Spike didn't hesitate her request, using his sharp claws he started digging into the ground until Spike was completely in the soil. His head popped up, the baby dragon gazed at Rarity dreamingly "Here you go Rarity" said Spike.

Spike lifted his claws bringing forth a handful of astonishing looking diamonds that sparkled brightly as stars. Rarity levitated the jewels into the cart behind her.

"Wow! You can detect diamonds? Incredible!" said Joe making a squeal of excitement.

Rarity laughed, giving Joe a wink which made his face pink "Marvellous isn't it? Ever since I found my cutie mark, fashion and jewellery became my entire life. Goodness, we should continue Joseph".

Joe simply nodded in response "okay Rarity".

The Unicorn, Dragon and Human continued their jewel gartering, Joe catched Spike drooling over the piles of diamond in the cart, he snapped Spike out a few times telling him to 'control yourself for Rarity'. It did work, eventually.

Joe, Spike and Rarity collect quite a lot of diamonds but not even close to make a half full cart. Little did they know, hiding behind some bushes are creatures nearly resembling a common species on earth. They stalk the trio, whispering in their ears before disappearing.

Joe heard bushes being moved, he adjusted his vision across to the bushes. He stared, sensing a terrible feeling 'I don't like this...not at all' Joe thought grimly.

Suddenly a loud scream erupted, Joe snapping his head around, Rarity is being pulled into a large hole. Joe spectated Spike fighting a strange creature, the creature has a dog appearance, the creature's stance resembled an ape. It wore a neck leash containing tiny diamonds, also wearing a small grey shirt with pockets full of diamonds. Spike turned his tail zigzag shape then like a builder using large drills, he drilled into the dog like ape. It yelled in pain, clenching it's teeth, the creature snarled angrily, it grabbed Spike and thrown him across the dirt field.

"SPIKE!" Joseph screamed, he dashed forward extending his reach for Spike.

Joe caught Spike, inspecting for any injury "Spike! Are you alright?" Joe said fully concerned.

Spike's eyes spun around before shaking his head "Yeah, I'm okay, thanks Joe. Oh no! The Diamond Dogs got Rarity!".

Rarity struggled from being pulled into the deep hole, using her hoof, she tried having a firm grip on the dirt, the diamond dog is too strong. "HELP!" Rarity cried out before being dragged down.

The other diamond dog grinned and dived down as well. Joe still carry Spike ran over at the holes edge looking straight down "Rarity...No!" Spike yelled.

Joe placed Spike down, the gem dragon became confused "Hey...what're you doing?".

Joe looked back at Spike taking a deep breath "Spike! Go get the others, I'll be right back!" he said.

Then he did something only a fool would do, jumped in the hole. Spike's heart skipped a beat, his cold blood now feeling a lot more colder "He...jumped...Joe...Rarity...NOOOOO!" he screamed for the thought of losing his best friend Joe and crush Rarity.

---

Joseph skidded down what he called 'the rabbit hole', the speed increasing, the dirt getting onto his clothes and inside his t-shirt. Using his feet and arms he forced them down roughly, Joe felt pain in his arms as he skidded down.

His teeth's grit together 'people would call me crazy jumping down the hole. But I've got to save Rarity! I made a vow, I'll protect all my friends!'

Joe shifted his vision down, a dim light faintly glowed resulting an exit. Leaving the rabbit hole and landing face first on the ground. Joe groans, rubbing his face hoping it would soothe the pain "Ouch...".

Looking around his surroundings franticly, an empty dirt cave with more holes leading only Celestia knows where. Joe needed a plan 'Okay I'm in, big problem is which way do I go? All could lead me back here or another pit that I'll never be able to come out of. Well, I guess I can only walk blindly here on'.

So many entrances, so little time, who knows what the diamond dogs will do to Rarity, he has no choice, he must pick an entrance. Randomly walking through a tunnel praying it would to Rarity, another thought came into Joe's mind 'What if more of those diamond dogs are here? F-fight back maybe? I can't...'.

Joe's thoughts got interrupted by voices up ahead, he froze, sweat pouring down his cheek and his heart beating. Joseph slowly crouched then proceeded to move silently forwards, the voices became louder and louder each step Joe took. The tunnel ended leading himself in a new area, two diamond dogs were pulling carts of jewels in a room back and forth. Joe hugged the wall like a agent undercover, he took quick peeps from the edge of the exit.

"Did ya hear? Our boys found some white unicorn and brought her here" a diamond dog said, his voice sounding deep.

"Yeah! They said she can use magic to find diamonds, great catch" the other one said whilst smirking.

"They saw something we never seen before" the deep voice diamond dog said catching his friends interest.

"What?" it said with disbelief.

"It doesn't matter, not our business, let's get something to eat" said the deep voice diamond dog.

The two diamond left their carts and went somewhere to eat. Joe scanned the room for any other thing, it seemed clear. He entered the area with caution 'thats them gone but where do I find Rarity?'.

Just as his hope are dying, he saw a piece of dirty paper on the floor with drawings. Joe picked it up, blowing away dirt, it's a map, a decent drawing.

The map informs Rarity's location, an cross is drawn in the area Joe is in 'Perfect! Let's see here, a line is drawn from the X leading through tunnels which eventually leads to Rarity. There!' he thought, jabbing his finger at the small drawing of her head.

"Alright, hope this works" Joe said, following the line on the map.

Joe immediately stopped, another diamond dog, back facing forward is sitting on a rock crossing it's arms. Grunting and humming.

The human quietly observed the diamond dog for a minutes, it seemed to looks sideways every few seconds 'If I'm right, that diamond dog is on guard duty' thought Joe.

He took a quick glance at his map 'Darn...the tunnel ahead is my ticket, how can I make him moved away? I can't throw a rock and hope it'll distract him, dogs have great sense of hearing'.

A shovel caught Joe's eye, leaning on the exit's stone wall, he thought carefully on what he was thinking of doing 'a shovel...I can use that to knock out the guard...no! I-I can't do that! I don't want to hurt...'.

Joe knew deep down inside that the shovel is needed, he just didn't want it to be this way. Joe is passive, even if the bullies at his school hurt him, Joseph never fought back in defence. Much as he hated it, it's really a no choice matter. Carefully and slowly picking up the shovel, Joe tightened his grip. Approaching the unsuspecting guard making no noise, getting closer and closer, the more higher the shovel rose. Joe's heart beat furiously quickened it's pace, more sweat dripping, he held his breath.

The diamond dog's ear twitched causing it to look back, it saw Joe holding up a shovel aiming at his head, Joe gasped 'No!'.

"What the-" it called out before it's head got smacked by the shovel knocking him straight out.

Joe began breathing heavily as the diamond dog collapsed, the human quickly went to it's side, listening for breathing. The guard is breathing slowly, Joe sighed in relief 'at least he's not dead or anything'.

Joseph stood straight, keeping a hold of his shovel "I'm sorry" he whispered.

Then resumed following his map "Alright, if it's accurate, I should be close to Rarity...I hope she's okay".

"Whining? THIS is whining!" a voice echoed in the tunnels, it whined alright, making whining noises and Joe knew too well who that could be.

"Rarity?" Joe squeaked.

Joe starting jogging, his hopes rising up 'Great! Now I just find her and sneak out without being noticed. Let's hope it'll work out'.

Following the whining down a long tunnel, he saw a iron door with bars, putting his back against the wall, Joe quietly moved closer to the door. Peeking through slight, Rarity is on the ground crying "I'm ugly? Waaaa!".

Three diamond dogs, different sizes and colours covered their ears "Arrgh! Make it stop!" one of them cried.

Suddenly, the sound of barking is heard, Joe heard the 'interrogators' running to the entrance. Using his wits, Joe hid behind a rock just in time before the door slammed open "It looks like we have an intruder! One of our guards got knocked out! This way!" the red coat diamond dog yelled, running off into the tunnel Joe came from.

Joseph raised his head, scanning his surroundings "Okay, clear. But they found the guard, I better think of something...and fast".

Wasting no more time, Joe dashed to the prison door, breaking the lock, he stormed in the room not noticing the decorations. Rarity recovered from whatever they did to her, she gasped, her face lit up extremely over joyed "Joseph! Y-you came to save me!".

Joe went up to her, trying the break the cart off until Rarity raised her dirty hoof up "No no! Please wait Joseph darling. These jewels are beautiful, I certainly need them".

Joe grew a little irritated "Rarity, we don't have time for jewels, we need to get out fast before we're overwhelmed by diamond dogs".

"Please Joseph, I REALLY need them for my work" Rarity begged giving him the puppy dog eyes stare.

The human became overwhelmed with that look "A-alright Rarity but we need to get moving" said a defeated Joseph Brooklyn.

Rairty smiled with glee "Oh thank you so much!" she nudged her head to Joe's chest "Thank you for saving me...again".

Joe blushed, patting her shoulder "I'm your friend, I vowed to protect all my friends no matter what".

The purple haired mare blushed as well "You certainly kept that promise" Rarity seen the shovel in his hand.

"Why are you holding that shovel dear?" said Rarity.

Joe looked away from her, ashamed "let's move on for now before-".

Several Diamond dogs wearing armour and more bulkier jumped out of nowhere completely catching Joe and Rarity off guard, they circled around them, surrounding the helpless duo.

"Before THEY get here, we can't fight them off, they're the real deal" Joe finished, raising his shovel.

Rarity is now scared, she went over to Joe's side "What ever will we do?".

The sounds of snarling from the dogs slowly faded away "I don't know".

Just then, one of the diamond dogs got beaten down by a blue blur leaving a streak of rainbow "Rainbow Dash!" Joe and Rarity yelled.

A lasso entangled another diamond dog followed by an orange pony wearing a cowboy, forcing it down, tying him up "Howdy y'all! Came just in time" Applejack said grinned.

Twilight levitated two dogs, casting a binding spell, they are tied up with rope as well, Fluttershy managed to give 'the stare' cowering one of them to run away. Pinkie Pie threw cakes at the remaining three, they ran off, their bodies covered in cake icing.

The girls cheered at their victory, Spike ran towards Rarity, hugging her leg "Rarity! You're safe!".

Spike imdiatly went over to Joe, hopping up and down asking to be carried. Joe picked him up with his free hand, placing him on his shoulder. Spike hugged Joe's face "Dude! Jumping down in Cloudsdale scared me but going in here alone scared the hay out of me!".

Joe chuckled "Sorry Spike, I'll try not to do something like that again" he playfully nudged Spike.

All the mares except Rarity looked shocked seeing Spike move to Joe so quickly rather savouring the moment with Rarity.

Rarity didn't seem to notice "Hello girls! You've just arrived in time to assist me" she said.

"Assist ya with what?" Applejack asked, raising her eye brow.

Rarity guestered her head to a dozen carts filled to the very top with jewels "Those!".

Twilight smiled "Well, looks like you've got your work sorted out".

Rainbow Dash saw Joe holding a shovel "Hey Joe, you digging or something?" she pointed out.

Joseph felt their eyes starting at him, he started shifting around nervously "N-no...just...nothing" said Joe, throwing the shovel away.

Applejack glared at him "Why are ya lying sugercube? Tell us".

Joe sighed, he felt very silly for lying in front of Applejack "I used it to knock out a diamond dog, It was the only getting past him...a-and I used it to break the iron bar door".

Fluttershy gasped, moving quickly next to him "Y-you hit him with that? Oh Joe" she said in a comforting voice.

Joe felt held his tears back "I know why you all are surprised, especially you Fluttershy. A passive guy like me, who gets picked on everyday for fun and I never fought back. I had no choice, I hate myself for hitting the guard. But I had to save Rarity, my friend, I made a vow and I'll do anything to protect you all".

The mane six group hugged Joseph "Thank you Joe, but please don't go too far, it would hurt us more to see you hurt very badly" Twilight said.

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down "C'mon! Lets get out of this dark, creepy place and celebrate a victory party!".

Everypony filled the cave with laughter, they all pulled the carts full of jewels away from the diamond dog's cave.

'I've made my mind up, I want to stay here forever with my friends, I love it here more then my home. I'm so sorry father, but I won't see you again, but I know you'll be happy for me' Joe thought.

A diamond dog who watched them within the caves shadows, it's glowing red eyes glared at Joseph with intent to kill "You...dare invade our home once more, human".

To Be Continued

Oh my God! I'm sorry for the horrible delay my fellow bronies, I had a few technical difficulties * bows * forgive me! Been reading my little dashie...I cried too.

Sorry again, I rushed it so I could upload it, so much for the stealth action and lots of mistakes...sigh.

Thank you all for your support and getting this story over 100 reviews! I never felt so happy before, never dreamed I would get 100 reviews. Thank you all.

Oh, just to let you know, I made a fimfiction account for my future story. This story won't be posted there or on Equestria daily, it's exclusively on this site (Plus reading ED's rules makes me feel like its a life and death situation).

Also, check out Phoenix Wright / My Little Pony FIM - Turnabout Storm on Youtube, it's fantastic, you'll be hooked :).

The mane six is now complete, time for the real event. Here's what the chapter will be called. Hope you enjoyed it, please R&R!

"The Book of Memories"