Diamond Tiara's POV

Just another day. Another day to tease blank flanks. Another day to harass the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Another—you know what, I don't have time for this. Stop writing this poetic yibber yabber, Yterbius.

I walked over to Apple Bloom, and I stared at her with a mean expression. She glared back at me with a mean expression as well. Eventually, the school bell rang, and we walked inside.

However, we all noticed right away that Ms. Cheerilee wasn't there. There was a pink pegasus stallion with a blond mane, and his cutie mark was a red electric guitar with wings.

"Hello there, young students. My name is Johnny, and I will be your substitute teacher until Ms. Cheerilee comes back in an undetermined amount of time."

"Mr. Johnny, what happened to Ms. Cheerilee?" I heard Silver Spoon's voice next to me.

Johnny got a little uncomfortable. "She, unfortunately, has the flu that's going around. That reminds me, I brought some hoof sanitizer with me, in case anypony needs."

I raised my hoof. "Mr. Johnny, do you know how long she'll be gone? And may we call you Mr. Johnson?"

"I don't know how long she'll be gone. And yes, you may call me Mr. Johnson."

Glad I got that out of the way, I thought. I hope Ms. Cheerilee comes back soon.

After he took attendance, he asked where a few classmates were. Featherweight was out with the flu, Snips and Snails were on vacation in Manehattan, and I told him Scootaloo's chariot broke down, so she was going to be late. Silver Spoon cast me a worried glance.

Later at lunchtime, Silver Spoon and the CMC questioned me.

"Diamond, you feeling okay?" "Y'all don't usually stand up fer other ponies lahke that." "Thanks for bailing me out, though." "Why did you save my friend's hide, Tiara?"

I was overwhelmed. "Well, if you three keep bugging me, I'll ruin it for you."

That shut them up. They immediately walked off together. I'll admit, I was hurt by that. They had each other, their families, their adventures, and I only got Silver Spoon to hang out with. I couldn't eat my lunch anymore, so I gave it to Pipsqueak, and walked back inside for the remainder of lunchtime.

Johnny's POV

I was trying to read the plan Cheerilee gave me for at least the next couple weeks, when I heard hoofsteps. I looked up, and I saw Diamond Tiara wearing a sad face.

"Hey there, kiddo. You feeling alright? There's still plenty of time to play outside."

She went to the desk she sat in earlier, and she put her head down on it. It was obvious she was upset about something. I walked over to her, and I asked what was wrong.

"Nothing. It's kind of personal. I don't really like talking about it."

"But that's why I'm here. I can talk with you and help you out."

"But your cutie mark is a musical instrument."

I looked back at my flank. She may have been right, but I personally know my cutie mark really means nothing at all.

"Kid, that cutie mark doesn't describe me at all. Do you want to know why I have that cutie mark?"

She nodded her head. I decided to tell her about my life as an AlphaGuardian.

Johnny's flashback

It was my eighth birthday. We were at a concert held by a group who called themselves the Barenaked Mares, but they were really all just Caneighdian stallions. They claimed it was to attract attention.

They were about to play a song called "Pinch Him," but before they did, they announced that they needed some backup on the stage. My brothers and I ran onto the stage, despite Connotation's protests. The guys on stage looked at us with smiles on their faces.

"Would you like to help us with our song?"

We all screamed yes, while Connotation at us and said fine.

They gave me an electric guitar, Connotation an electric bass, Michelangelo their microphone, and Alexander their drum sticks. The guys started up a backtrack, and the song started. Michelangelo sang part of the lyrics, Alexander did drums when necessary, one of the guys played an acoustic guitar while the rest sang backup, and I even got a guitar solo at the end.

["Pinch Me (album version)" by Barenaked Ladies]

When the song ended, I felt a warm sensation on my leg, and when I looked at my jeans, there was a red electric guitar tattooed on them. (If you remember from Nostalgic Weirdness, we were pony-human crossbreeds)

I looked back, and the other guys were doing the same thing. We all exchanged glances, and thought the same thing.

Diamond Tiara's POV (present day)

"...and that's how I got my cutie mark."

I stared at him in disbelief. This sounded so farfetched. He had to be lying.

"If you don't believe me, Princess Twilight has a couple books about me and my brothers. Now what's bringing you down?"

I got very uncomfortable. My information was not really something I liked telling other ponies. However, Johnny seemed like a nice pony.

"The thing is, I live a troubled life."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

I hesitated. "I pick on other fillies and colts because I'm always under lots of stress."

"That, unfortunately, doesn't answer my question. Try again."

I sighed. There was no backing out of it. I decided to tell him everything.

"Every morning, when I wake up, I run towards my father, Filthy Rich, and ask for breakfast, and without speaking, he has his private chef cook an omelette with a parsley garnish. He barely says anything because he's always so busy, and with his job, he has a lot on his mind, plus, he already has a mental disorder, which prevents him from remembering certain things. My mother, Berry Punch, is always leaving early to get herself drunk in order to try to forget losing my younger sister to a chariot accident. Every time I come home, my mother beats me because she's so drunk, and my father is just so busy, he only notices when I get into trouble. Because of all that, I'm under a lot of pressure. I choose to vent it out with bullying. I pick on all kinds of fillies and colts."

He remained unfazed. "I noticed that you prefer to pick on Apple Bloom in particular."

"I'm jealous. Every time my dad takes me to Sweet Apple Acres for business things, I notice the strong bonds she has with her family. She has barely any family here, and yet she has a very strong connection with each member. I have my father, mother, butler, basically a mansion's worth of staff, and yet I can't relate to a single pony. I pick on her because she has something I haven't ever had once. A caring family. If it weren't for knowing I have a friend whose parents are also rich, I wouldn't even be here right now." I curled up, not wanting to say anymore.

He was still unfazed. He let out a huge sigh. He looked at me with a disappointed look.

"Your mother beats you?"

"Yeah, why?"

"My brother works at the local orphanage. He can get you away from those people. If course, we will need to get your father's attention somehow. That is, of course, if you want to. Do you want to?"

"Yes, of course I want to."

We put our hooves on our chins. After the bell rang, he said we would discuss it later and got right back to teaching. I was right. He was a nice pony.

Johnny's POV

I was packing up, getting ready to go home. Just as I started to head out, Diamond Tiara came up to me again.

"Johnny, I got an idea. *whisper whisper*"

"Sounds good. I'll call your parents. Should I call Apple Bloom's sister?"

"Probably not. They aren't setting their kids up for adoption."

"Alright. Just Filthy Rich and, uh..."

"Berry Punch."

"Right. That would explain the drunk part." I called Filthy Rich and told him his daughter was in a fight with Apple Bloom.

"Again?! That's the third time this month. *grumpy sigh* I'll be right over. *click*"

I stood with Diamond Tiara in the classroom when Filthy Rich and Berry Punch walked in the door.

"Afternoon, mister. I didn't get your name earlier."

"My name is Johnny. I am substituting for Cheerilee while she has the flu."

"Man, that sickness is spreading fast. Now, where are Apple Bloom and Applejack?" He looked around.

"Actually, they are not here."

"But shouldn't they be here as well? After all, Apple Bloom was involved, right?" A look of confusion spread across his face.

"Heh heh, funny story, Filthy. The thing is, Diamond Tiara didn't actually get in any fight." I was nervous. How would Filthy take it?

"Okay then, we can go home." He immediately tried to take Diamond Tiara with him.

"Woah, there, slow your roll, man, there's a reason I called you two here."

"Well could you make it brief? I have orders to make, bills to pay, yadda yadda yadda." He looked rather annoyed.

"Diamond, would you like to tell him, or shall I?"

"I'll do it. Don't worry."

She walked up to Filthy Rich and Berry Punch. She said she wanted to be put up for adoption. The two were taken aback.

"But, sweetheart, why—"

"No. Stop right there. I'm doing this because I want to. For five of my eight years, I have wanted to see you as a fatherly figure, but all you do is work. I don't care if you had a lot to do, you could've just asked for a day off. A whole day. And YOU, Berry Punch, are no better. You got yourself so drunk, you can't even remember your own second daughter. Yes, you did have two daughters. One of them fell out of a chariot, fifteen stories above the ground. You getting drunk also caused me to suffer bruises, cuts, scrapes, sometimes even a broken bone. And Filthy didn't even know. He was too busy to notice me not getting in trouble. I had to have my very own cute-ciñera at Pinkie Pie's café because you couldn't take a break to spend time with me. You practically neglected me. I had trouble trying to deal with it, all the way to the point of suicide. But then I met Silver Spoon, somepony who accepted me, not because I was a rich b****, but because she understood what I was going through. I got so stressed, I couldn't handle it, and just started harassing other foals. I became a bully to help me cope with the problems I have dealt with. Apple Bloom was my main target because I was jealous. She gets along with her family so well, and I can't even get a word out of you or Berry Punch. I hate you."

Filthy Rich and Berry Punch stood there as Diamond Tiara practically screamed at them. I gotta tell you, the looks on their faces were priceless.

"I-i didn't know—"

"Of course not. You were always in your office doing Celestia knows what, never stopping once to spend time with your only living daughter."

Berry Punch started bawling her eyes out. "I'm so sorry, Diamond Tiara. If I knew how this was affecting you—"

"You would never know. You were always so drunk you never even remembered your own older daughter. And you always beat me up because you were just so p***ed off."

Berry Punch completely lost it. "Berry Punch, you could've tried to hold on to the kid, or just accepted that she was gone."

I just stood there, muzzle agape, eyes wide, and eyebrows furrowed. "DT, we need to report abuse as well as adoption." I ran to Cheerilee's desk (I can't say it was mine) and grabbed some paper, ink, and a quill. I wrote the following message:

Dear Princess Celestia,

I wish to inform you that Diamond Tiara has decided that, after five years of abuse and neglect, she wishes to be put in an orphanage, to be given to another family. One who will treat her with the respect she most certainly deserves. One who will punish her when necessary. One who does not work too often to spend time with her. I also wish to report unnecessary roughness. Berry Punch is an Earth Mare who got herself drunk to forget her past, but in the process has brutally beaten, bruised, and scarred poor little Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara does not deserve it. Please know I write to you for the sake of Diamond Tiara's well being. Oh, could you also give Luna my salutations?

Signed, Johnathan Gamma

I sent the note, hoping it would arrive and giving Celestia the message. Even though I was a pony, I was still technically an AlphaGuardian, so I had a few tricks up my...whatever. I called out for my brothers, and they both came.

Mike spoke first. "Hey, little bro, how you doing? What's up?"

"Oh hi Mike. I don't actually need you, but I thought it might be nice to say hi. Alex is the one I need. Alex, you can set up foals for adoption, right?"

"That's right, older brother. Is this the one?" Alex gestured his hoof towards Diamond Tiara.

"Yesiree, that would be the one." Just then, Berry Punch was restrained by a couple royal guards.

"Is this Berry Punch?"

"Yup, that's her." She was taken away.

At that point, it was me, Mike, Alex, Diamond Tiara.

"So you don't like this guy at all, eh?"

"Nope. Filthy Rich and Berry Punch are terrible parents."

"Well then, I got some paperwork he needs to sign. Guards, bring Punch back. We need her to sign here." Alex pointed a hoof to a couple of blank lines.

The guards brought her back into the school, and she signed the necessary line. Filthy Rich did the same, and Diamond Tiara as well. She was no longer under the legal care of either of them. Pretty soon, Applejack came running into the school.

"Ah heard Diamond Tiara gave mah little sister trouble again." She looked p***ed off.

I looked at her. "Two things Applejack. One she did nothing wrong. Diamond Tiara is now all set up to live at the local orphanage, and is loving it. Two, where is Apple Bloom?"

"Ah left her at home to keep her safe. But whah has Diamond Tiara caused trouble the past fahve years?"

"Because her 'parents' neglected her, and it was too much, but now that problem is taken care of, so I hope all harassment will cease." I cast a worried glance at her.

"No worries. I shall not continue my misdeeds, Johnny."

I picked her up and proceeded to walk off. "Great. Let's get you to—"

"WAIT!"

Immediately, I stopped. "What is it, Applejack?"

I looked back, and she was blushing slightly. "Ah don't suppose Ah could take her off yer hooves?" Her checks were now crimson.

Alex was in deep thought when I glanced at him. Finally, he spoke.

"I guess that's cool with me. But you'll need to sign this paper as well, Ms. Applejack."

She obliged, and soon, Diamond Tiara was full of glee as I watched walk home with Applejack.

Apple Bloom's POV

I was at home, in my bedroom, when I heard the front door open. I ran towards it, and was surprised to see Diamond Tiara with my sister. I gave her a hug, and she gave one back.

"Well, it looks lahke mah sisters are gettin' along mahghty nahcely."

I let go of Diamond Tiara. I stared right back at her. I was shocked. "Wait, are you sayin' what Ah think yer sayin'?"

"That's rahght, li'l sis. Ah adopted her, and now she's yer sister."

"Although I may have to change my name. I'm not sure what 'Diamond Tiara' has in common with apples. Should it be...eh, whatever, I'll think of something later. Right now, I'm just glad to be here with you."

Diamond Tiara's POV

I decided to sleep on the floor in Apple Bloom's bedroom. She only had one bed in her room, and I wasn't going to take it from her. Not after we'd just made up for all the hardships we'd been through. Especially since it was her room and not mine.

I tried to get comfy, and I guess I was lucky she had a carpet in her room. I'm not trying to be a spoiled brat. I'm saying that even a homeless pony might not find wooden floors very comfy. I lay down, and try as I might, I could not get to sleep. At first I brushed it off, figuring I was just so relieved to be away from my pain. I thought about my 'parents,' and how I had been abused. I thought about those words Applejack said, and seeing my new sisters, and sadly, Big Macintosh was on a business trip in Fillydelphia, so he wasn't home. Somehow, I was able to get to sleep after that.

In the morning, I didn't bother with my usual makeup stuff, because seriously, what kind of farm girl does that? But then I remembered that I left my stuff at my old house. However, I realized it was mostly rich girl stuff. I let that thought escape my mind as I went downstairs. I could smell the aroma of cinnamon and apples. It was the best thing I had smelled since I left the dumb mansion.

"Morning, Applejack." I tried as hard as possible to use the same accent she and her family used.

"Wow, kiddo, you picked up pretty quick. Have you chosen a name yet?" I winced at that. I had forgotten that I needed a new name. I scrambled my mind to try to pick a good name.

"Apple Dumpling." I blurted out, simultaneously thinking of a back story.

"Interesting. Why 'Dumpling,' sugarcube?"

"Because dumplings don't usually have apples. They're different from regular dumplings. Like me. I'm different, yet I'm related to an apple family." I hoped it was convincing.

She smiled. "Well then, Apple Dumpling it is." I heard a ding. Applejack opened the oven and pulled out a delicious looking pie.

"You hungry? Because this is our breakfast for today." She looked at me and I thought, I love you, Applejack, as a sister. I thanked her for this lovely pie, and went to grab a plate, but Applejack stopped me.

"Not quite yet, youngin'. It still has to cool first." I was met with a comforting hoof.

"I'm grateful we get this pie. Filthy's chef's omelettes were always so bland. But this, a wonderful, aromatic, sight for sore eyes, one of a kind pie." I think I started to drool.

"Well, I'm mighty glad you think so, Dumpling. Because now it's cool enough to eat. I'll cut it up, you grab plates and forks. They're in that cabinet right there." She pointed to a cabinet right next to me, and did as instructed. Soon, everypony was awake, and we dug into the delicious pie. Minutes later, Big Macintosh walked into the dining room. He glared my way.

"What in the hay is she doing here?" He wasn't too happy.

"Big Mac, calm down. She's one of us now." Apple Bloom was irritated, due to having woken up very recently.

I looked at him and said what seemed appropriate. "Hello, older brother. How are you this morning? I'm Apple Dumpling. Nice to meet you." I stuck out a hoof.

He was hesitant, but he smiled at me and shook my hoof. I was glad to have this kind of family.

Silver Spoon's POV

I was walking towards the Rich mansion, wondering why Diamond Tiara was late meeting me. When I got to the front gates, I rang the intercom system, and Filthy Rich answered.

"Hello there, Silver Spoon. How can I help you?" He was grim. I was scared.

"Do you know where Diamond Tiara is?" I hoped she was okay.

"Oh. Her. Right. Well then. I'm hate to disappoint you, but Diamond Tiara no longer resides at Rich Estates."

I was horrified. "What? Whaddya mean she doesn't live here anymore?! Where is she?"

He hesitantly replied. "She claims that I neglected her and her mother abused her, so she made the decision to be an orphan. However, she was adopted and now currently takes refuge at Sweet Apple Acres." The intercom beeped, letting me know he cut off. I was distraught.

Immediately, I found myself running towards the farmhouse. I don't know why, because I hated that place. I kept running, realizing that I cared for my friend so much, I didn't care if I had to go to a very run down place to see her. I would say I loved her, but I'm not homo, so I'll just say I thought of her as my bestest friend.

When I got to Sweet Apple Acres, I looked around, and gazed at the scenery. It appeared that the trees had more apples this harvest season than the last few. I went up to the front door and knocked on it. I was disappointed, learning I had to touch the wood with my bare hooves, but at least I got a response. Standing in front of me was Diamond Tiara herself. However, she spoke in an accent similar to Apple Bloom's.

"Well, howdy there, Silvy. How are y'all doing today?" She seemed rather upbeat and positive.

"Hi there, Diamond. I was wondering if we could walk together to school."

"That's right, you weren't there. My name has been changed to Apple Dumpling. But I would love to walk with you to school. Can we bring Apple Bloom with us?"

I recoiled. "What? You mean that loser? Why would—"

I was cut off by an annoyed Diamo—er, I mean, Apple Dumpling. "Excuse me? Did I just hear you call my sister a loser? You know what, forget it. I'm not walking with you. Oh, that reminds me, take this. I don't really need it anymore." She took off her tiara and handed it over to me.

She slammed the door in my face, and I walked off, crying. As I looked at the tiny crown in my hoof, I thought of all the memories we had made together. Playing with our dolls, playing dress up, and other things. I reached the school. Alone.

A/N: I'm afraid I will be taking down my Weekend at Vladimir's fanfiction. It is a parody of a great movie, but I am unmotivated to continue. So in around one week's time, that fanfiction will no longer be available to view. Also, I have set up a schedule. I will try to update a story once a day. Plus, if you want to have an OC featured in any fanfictions, you will need to PM me. Update: Said fanfiction has been removed.

Sweetie Belle's POV

If there was anything I hated more than anything in Equestria, it was seeing Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. However, I saw Silver Spoon crying. I knew that meant something bad or good happened, depending on whose side you were on. She walked in my general direction.

"Whatever it is, it serves you right, you no good jerk." I scoffed. It felt good to make her feel bad.

"D-d-diamond T-tiara, she isn't hers-s-self anymore." She blubbered. I'll admit, it actually hurt me to see her like this. But Scootaloo interrupted my thoughts.

"Oh yeah? What makes you say that? And what makes you think we'll believe you?"

"G-go ask Apple B-b-bloom." We ran towards the clubhouse. Inside, there was Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara.

Scootaloo was furious. "Diamond Tiara, what are you doing here?!"

Apple Bloom went over and slapped her. "That ain't how you treat my new sister, Apple Dumpling."

We stared in shock. "But, why, Apple Bloom?" "Scootaloo, calm down."

Diam—Apple Dumpling spoke. "I always picked on you because my former parents always abused and neglected me, and I needed to vent my stress somehow, or I was going to go mentally insane."

I stood there, confused, but less than before, and Scootaloo just didn't trust her at all.

"I was fed up with Filthy Rich and Berry Punch, so I asked the substitute teacher's brother to sign me up for adoption, and right then and there, Applejack and Bloom were there. You can probably guess where things went from there."

We heard a bell ringing in the distance. We looked at each other in dismay.

"SCHOOL!" We all shouted in unison. We bolted out of the clubhouse and ran as fast as physically possible towards the school building, and thank Celestia it was unlocked.

We walked in, and Johnny stood behind the big desk. He smiled at us, probably knowing what happened.

"Hello, girls. How are you?"

We were very short of breath. We only replied in short breaths.

"We're good." "Not bad, you?" "Feeling great." "Very tired." "Scootaloo!" "What?"

We sat in our appropriate seats, and Johnny took attendance.

Apple Dumpling's POV

At least I got on their good side. Johnny took attendance, and the day was started. He talked about Ponyville history, then basic chemistry, and gave us a worksheet for each subject. Separately, of course.

Once we finished that, it was lunchtime. The four of us looked at each other again. Slowly, we realized we all forgot our lunches. So we all sat around the lunch table, picking up right where we left off.

"So anyway, I got all set up for my orphanage life, but thankfully, Apple Bloom and her sister were there, and I didn't have to go to that horrid place. Seriously, I heard rumors that they make you do at least twenty pushups before breakfast. *grumble* Oh, the irony."

"I hear ya, sis, loud and clear." I felt a hoof on my shoulder.

"Hi guys. Mind if I join you?" A timid voice asked. I looked over and saw Silver Spoon. Apple Bloom spoke up.

"We sure do mind. How you treated my sister this morning was unacceptable. It was outrageous. After she abandoned her bad life for a better one, you should at least have the decency to help her feel better. You are her friend after all."

I backed her up. "Silver Spoon, I mainly hung out with you because I needed a friend who made me feel better. You did that, until I joined a different family. You not only insulted my sister, as well as my new home, but you made me feel worse for picking on other fillies and colts than I already was feeling. I don't really know how I lived with myself. Or you, for that matter. Now shoo, I have better friends." With that, she left us.

We stared at her. Scootaloo spoke first. "Wow, what a comeback."

Sweetie Belle replied. "I think you've finally redeemed yourself, Apple Dumpling."

Apple Dumpling's POV

Once I dissed Silver Spoon, I felt a little twinge of self doubt, but I knew it was for the best. I made my decision to start being nice to other ponies.

When the bell rang, signalling the end of lunchtime, we all went back inside. We saw Johnny wearing a hat similar to the one on the head of Button Mash. We all oohed and ahhed. We then looked back at Button Mash, who was not wearing his hat. He looked over at Sweetie Belle with dreamy eyes. I looked at him, then her, and kept alternating until an idea clicked into my head. I passed a note to him, making sure to not let Johnny notice.

Meet after school behind building.

Once school let out, I stood behind the building, until Button Mash showed. He looked very intimidated.

"Relax, I've been reformed. Listen, I noticed you got your eye on Sweetie Belle."

Nervously, he nodded. "Yeah, what about it?"

"I can hook you up with her."

He replaced his intimidation with joy. "Wow, you'd really do that for me? What would I owe you?"

I shook my head. "Think of it as an apology for picking on you all those years ago."

"Gee, I don't know. I couldn't possibly let you do this."

"Think nothing of it, Button." I grinned. He thought for a minute, then thanked me for my help.

"Okay, first thing. If you were to ask her out, how?"

He gathered a little bit of courage."Sweetie Belle, um, I was, um, wondering—" I placed a hoof in his mouth.

"Sorry. All I got was, um. Fillies don't really care much for that."

"Sorry. *clears throat* Sweetie Belle, I was wondering if you wanted to get some ice cream with me."

I looked him in the eye. "Very good. That was, however, a little rushed. Slow it down, and then try again. Now, take a deep breath."

He inhaled, and exhaled. "Sweetie Belle, would it be okay if you and I got some ice cream? You know, together?"

"Very nice. Bravo. I think you've got it. Wait until tomorrow to do it, though. She had a rough day today."

"Gotcha. See you tomorrow, Diamond Tiara." He turned to leave, but I called him back. He returned, and I spoke.

"I'm not Diamond Tiara anymore. It's Apple Dumpling."

Button Mash's POV

Apple Dumpling. That was a weird name, but she helped me out, so I didn't argue.

I was so excited. I couldn't wait to ask Sweetie Belle out. I had a hard time sleeping that night.

I woke up the next morning feeling like I was on top of the world. And not because of Sweetie Belle. I usually pulled all nighters on my video games. But last night, I was determined to make things perfect, so I decided to actually sleep.

I greeted my mom with a happy "good morning, how are you" and "mmm, breakfast smells great." As opposed to "ugh, I need my coffee" and "what's breakfast." My mom was very surprised.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Button Mash?"

"Relax, mom, it's me."

"Good morning to you too, then."

After a hearty breakfast of waffles with honey butter, I grabbed a sack filled with bits, snuck them into my saddlebags, and was on my way to school, where my life was going to change forever.

I went to the school, where everypony was standing outside the front door. They were all looking inside the window with nervous faces. I looked inside, and Sweetie Belle was inside.

I tried the door, but it didn't budge. I tried banging on the door, and it still remained stable. I got on somepony's back, and I saw that the windows were barred up and locked from the outside. I went to the other side to unlock them, but whoever locked the windows had sealed them with a blow torch.

I ran back to the other side, and I saw some green alicorn using magic to unlock the door. However, try as he might, we realized that this pony was no idiot. There was a magic barrier on the school building.

I peered at a brick that had a strange mark, and when I was able to make it out, I gasped. S.S. That meant it was...

"SILVER SPOON!" I blurted out suddenly. Everypony looked my way. My gazed was fixed on the signature. Out of nowhere, Silver Spoon appeared.

"Well, I might as well fess up, seeing as how I've been found out." She huffed.

"How could you?! I know you aren't feeling the greatest, but this?! This is just far out! Even I wouldn't pull this stunt!" Apple Dumpling nearly broke our eardrums.

"This is all your fault, DT."

"Apple Dumpling."

"Whatever, it's still your fault. You were the only friend I ever had, and when you left me for those dumb Cutie Mark blank flanks, I was crushed. You left me behind without a second thought. Now I'm getting revenge." She said as she pushed a button. Instantly, I heard a scream. I looked through the window on the door, and the front desk was on fire.

I ran home. I bust open the front door. I didn't stop to tell my mother what was going on. I ran to the basement and grabbed a double blade axe. I noted my mom's expression of horror, but continued on.

When I got back to the school building, everypony backed away as I flung the axe through the air, and thanks to all my training in "Surgeon's Mission 3" it shot right through the window, narrowly missing Sweetie Belle. Johnny, who suddenly appeared, threw his keys through the window. I snuck a glance at the door handle, and noticing that the lock was partly melted.

Moments later, Sweetie Belle practically flew out the door. She ran up to me and held me as tight as possible. I was thrown off, but I regained my composure and hugged her back.

"Thanks, Button Mash. If it weren't for you, I—"

"Sweetie Belle, darling, are you alright, dear?" Suddenly, a white mare with a dark purple mane ran up to Sweetie Belle and hugged her tightly.

Sweetie Belle looked slightly embarrassed. "Yes, Rarity, I'm fine, thanks to this wonderful colt." She pointed a hoof at me, and Rarity smiled widely.

"Thank you ever so much for saving my sister. I don't know what I would do without her." She coughed, and I looked at the school.

"Crap, it's still burning." I shouted, right as my mom and some fire squad ponies arrived at the scene. They put out the fire, and went inside to investigate. Minutes later, they came back out with a double blade axe with a darker handle than before.

My mother looked at me. "What exactly were you doing with that, Button?"

"The...door was locked?" I tried to grin, and my mother exhaled deeply.

"Well, you saved a life, so I'll let this one slide. But be careful with it next time."

"We regret to report that the fire has burnt almost everything. However, we were able to recover this." They held out a small notebook covered in pink and lavender swirls. Sweetie Belle instantly ran up to the stallion and grabbed it.

I asked what she was doing in the building. She replied.

Sweetie Belle's flashback

I was just about to serve Rarity breakfast in bed, without burning everything. I had actually been taking lessons from Mike, the main chef at the new restaurant, "Winghoof's." As I got up early, I hit my head on another pony's. I looked at the other pony, and though it was dark, I recognized Silver Spoon's shadow.

I looked closer, and I saw that she had my private diary. I had written lots of secrets in there. I will only tell you one, and it's the crush I've been having on Button Mash. I ran after her, and I was at the schoolhouse. She threw it very far in, and I ran after it. Once I grabbed it, I heard a click. I looked back, and the door was shut. I tried to open it, but my attempts were futile.

I looked around, and Discord was standing there. However, something seemed off. I realized his eyes were glowing grey. Suddenly, they started flickering. They reverted, and Discord tried to open the window, but then they changed back to grey, and he barred them up. I realized he was possessed. But Silver Spoon was an earth pony. I decided to figure it out later and focus on getting out.

Sweetie Belle's POV (present day)

"...and you know what happened from there." I told everypony that listened.

"Darling, why were you planning on making me breakfast in bed? I appreciate the offer, though."

"I wanted to thank you for helping save the town from that giant thing."

"You mean Tirek? I really do appreciate the offer, but I did what I had to."

"I thought it would be necessary to offer a reward to one of the saviors."

Button Mash nudged me, and I turned to face him.

"Um, Sweetie Belle, I was wondering, um, do you want to, uh, go get some ice cream, uh, with me?" He grinned sheepishly.

I was thrown off. I had been asked out by the colt I was crushing on. Not to mention had my life saved by him.

"Yes, I would."

Apple Dumpling's POV

Good job, Button Mash. You done swell. I watched from a distance as Button Mash asked Sweetie Belle. It went over swimmingly, and I walked home with Apple Bloom, reminding myself that she didn't know, and it was better that way. If you told me that he was going to do that a month ago, I would have laughed in your face, or better yet, try to ruin it for him.

My first thought raced through my head like Rainbow Dash raced through the sky.

Gee, who would've thought that being nice to other ponies would make me feel better?

Apple Dumpling's POV

I got home, and Applejack grabs us both me and Apple Bloom.

"Are you two alright? Please tell me you're alright."

As good as it was to be loved, it was embarrassing to be hugged this tight. I lightly shoved Applejack away.

"I'm fine, Applejack. Don't worry."

I was about to head to my room, when somepony knocked on the door. I answered it, and Mike's red brother was there.

"Are you Diamond Tiara?"

I replied with a yes, and he told me to follow him. We walked for a few miles, and I was really nervous. When we got to some sort of graveyard, he told me to stop. His horn glowed, and he stepped through some invisible wall, disappearing. Seconds later, he came back out.

"It's safe." He beckoned me in, and I followed. I found myself in some sort of underworld area. I felt the ground beneath me, but I couldn't tell. It looked like there was no ground, only wavy colors. Ghost, ghouls, spirits, skeletons, and bodies were scattered everywhere.

He led me to the corpse of my former friend, Silver Spoon. But she looked different. She was normally an earth pony, but when I looked closer, I saw she had wings and a horn. I was taken aback.

"Wait, she was always—"

"An alicorn? Yes. A threat? No."

"Whaddya mean threat?"

His horn glowed, and suddenly, the scenery changed. We were at somepony's house.

"This was Silver Spoon's house, before she lived in it. It was inhabited by other ponies, but they were all murderers." Dozens of ponies were displayed with different murder weapons.

"Each one was known for their crimes. However, only once every fifth generation, the inhabitant was an alicorn." Suddenly, a bunch of them were darkened to reveal the alicorns.

"Each of them disguised themselves as a more common race, for the princesses were the only ones to never kill, and everypony knew it." Suddenly, there was a scene. Everypony turned towards Celestia and Luna showed contentment and joy, while those turned towards the other alicorns showed hatred and anger.

"Since they disguised themselves, nopony knew what they were hiding. And your friend Silver Spoon was an alicorn, so she was hiding as well."

"Wait, why was it only those that lived in that one house?"

"Because, Apple Dumpling, there is a spirit who broke loose from the bonds that keep other spirits here. And he decided to manifest the building so that he could take over anypony who went through any severe stress. When you left Silver Spoon, that was an example. In fact, one of the biggest."

"So the house is basically haunted?"

"...if you prefer to put it that way, then yes. The house is haunted."

I let it sink in. This was a lot to take in. Because I abandoned her, she became a serial killer. Plus, she was a race known for its harmful actions.

"So what'll happen to her?"

He looked at me emotionlessly. "We may have to arrest her, and try to extract the demon. You see, the spirit has been around for so long AND affected so many ponies that it has evolved into a demon. Unfortunately, if we do manage to extract it, Silver Spoon may no longer be with us."

I recoiled in horror. "What?! How?!"

"It appears that, over time, the demon has learned how to almost completely take over a pony, erasing the soul originally controlling it."

"*sputter* I don't believe it."

"You better believe it."

"Hold on. If this is a corpse, then who's up there?"

"That, young Apple Dumpling, would be the demon. It has taken over your friend, and discarded the body."

I let that sink in. "So, basically, we're all screwed."

"Unless we can purge the demon from existence altogether, then yep, we're pretty much screwed. Come on, let's go back."

I followed him back to the living world, and I felt sick. Apparently, I would advise against looking at bright vivid colors and then looking at a graveyard. Just a heads up. He told me that this was to be told to nopony.

"Do you promise?"

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my—ow! I still don't get how Pinkie Pie does it."

"At least were on the same page. By the way, I'm Connor." He stuck out his hoof.

"Nice to meetcha, Connor." I grabbed and shook it.

Apple Dumpling's POV

I left to go back to my home, and when I was questioned, I told them all he just wanted to say his apologies for terrorizing the pony race. Applejack surprisingly believed me.

I walked casually to my room, and as I was about to read a book, I felt the sudden urge to say something nasty towards Apple Bloom, but I managed to hold back. I couldn't believe myself. Seconds later, however, I got another knock at the door. I went to the door, and found myself face to face with Button Mash.

"Can I have a private chat?"

"Sure. Let's go to my room." I led him to my room, and when he stepped inside, I locked the door behind us.

"So what do you want? I presume the date went well."

He blushed. "Yeah. It went over great. In fact, she wanted to do it again sometime."

"That's terrific. So why are you here, Button?"

"I wanted to thank you for helping me out. I got you a little something." He reached in his saddlebags and pulled out a necklace. It was made of what appeared to be crystal, and the charm in the center was an apple.

"Wow, Button. Where did you get this?"

He blushed again. "I originally wanted to date Apple Bloom, but she shot me down."

"What a bummer. But anyway, thanks. I kinda like it." I admired the necklace a little before looking back at him. He seemed rather upset.

"Something wrong, kiddo?"

"Well, if you wanna know..." He glanced away.

"Don't worry, I can keep secrets. Talk to Auntie Dumpling."

"Relax. Just talk to me."

"Okay. It's just, well, I've just looked at my past, and I realized, I have had very insecure feelings. You see, most of my life, I pulled all nighters on video games. I spent my afternoons playing video games. I played video games on weekends. My life has literally been videogames this and videogames that. After Twilight's castle appeared, I had my eye on Sweetie Belle. I wanted to ask her out so deeply, but due to my lack of social knowledge, I couldn't bring myself to it. And having you as a bully made it much harder. No offense."

"None taken. So you said you wanted to date Apple Bloom too?"

"That was after the 'Cutie Pox' incident."

"So when did she turn you down?"

He hesitated. "I asked her a few days after it happened."

"Well, that's the past, and now you're with Sweetie Belle. You should feel proud."

He smiled. "I guess I am. Well, I gotta go. I promised her I wouldn't be gone long."

"Well, it's been good talking to you. Guess I'll see you tomorrow, Button."

"See ya." He left.

Button Mash's POV

I went back to Carousel Boutique, where Sweetie Belle stood looking pleased.

"So whatcha wanna do, Mash?"

"Let's go up to your room, Sweetie. Don't worry, I'm not gonna do anything stupid." We went to her room. "Would you happen to have some source of music and a pair of headphones?"

She grabbed them both, and then she asked for an explanation.

"I was hoping we could play the 'Whisper Game.' Have you ever played it before?"

She shook her head.

"Well, one person has to put on the headphones and listen to music while anypony else playing has to try to get the pony with the headphones to try and say a certain phrase. It's a lot of fun."

She understood easily, and she put on the headphones. I, meanwhile, looked up "funny phrases" on my smartphone. My first one was "My pet salad ate my house." I had a hard time stifling laughs as she said the following:

"My wind flowing, no, string instrument thingy, no—Button, cut that out." I had decided to make a dumb face. Suddenly, that cat with the name I can't remember walked in.

"Opalescent, pet?! Yes, pet. My, pet, soup, no wait, is it noodles? No? How 'bout salad? Yes, salad? My, pet salad, Button, wha—eight, hold on. My pet salad ate, my again, giant triangle? Huh? Giant round things house? So lemme get this straight. My pet salad ate my house?" Then, I sort of pulled off the headphones, nodding in reply.

"And that's how you play, Sweetie, simple as that."

Needless to say, she agreed, and we had tons of fun trying to say funny phrases. I said some stupid things, and she said some stupid things. All in all, we had a lot of fun. Sadly, not unlike all good things, the time came for my departure.

I looked out the window, just in time to see the sun touching the horizon. I decided to let Sweetie Belle know I had to leave.

"Aw, but we were having so much fun, Button."

"I don't want this to end either, but I'm still a young colt, and I still have a curfew."

"Fine. Guess I'll see you in school tomorrow."

"Actually, Sweetie, tomorrow's Saturday. There's no school. But don't worry. I'll still be around tomorrow."

"Alright. See ya."

I left, thanking Rarity for allowing me to stay up to this point. She bid me farewell, and I was on my way, waiting for the next day.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: I will mot be posting fanfics for a long time, the reason is that my parents locked my phone, blocking the internet, and I cannot post fanfics without the internet, so I'll get back to you in an undetermined amount of time.

Connor's POV

Sheesh, what a drama queen. Perhaps she didn't like my accent. If you know who Octavia is, we share the same accent. On earth, it's the British accent. Here, it's—you know what, I don't have time for this.

Now that she was unconscious, I could safely remove her demon without hurting her. I used my magic to search for it, and her chest began to glow bright vermilion. I used a scanning spell on her, and there was a flickering flame. Knowing it was no usual flame, I ignored the purple hue it emanated, and went to killing it. Obviously, it was no easy task, like finding out the sexuality of a fictional character. *hard glare* Don't get any ideas, fandom.

First, there was the task of extraction. It took a great deal of magic to pull it out of her, but as soon as I did, her horn and wings vanished. I placed it in an airtight container, because even though it was no ordinary flame, it was still a flame. I watched it dissipate into oblivion, and seconds later, she woke up.

"...ugh, where am—oh yeah. Weird, I feel different. Floaty, in fact."

"Well, young mare, I have some good news."

She looked at me in curiosity. "Is it gone?"

I beamed proudly. "Yes, your demon has been exterminated."

She was practically bouncing. She slowed to a stop, realizing something crucial.

"How do we get out?"

Discord: Simple, we...

Yterbius: Discord, I'm home. What are you...get off my laptop NOW!

D: But I was just—

Y: Get off my laptop NOW!

D: Come on, Mike.

Y: Get off my laptop NOW!

D: You are—

Y: Get off my laptop NOW!

D: Why?

Y: Get off my laptop NOW!

D: Is that all you can say?

Y: No. Get off my laptop NOW!

D: Geez, you're grumpy.

Y: I could go all day. So get off my laptop NOW!

D: Fine.

Y: Listen, fandom, I was away for about a week, and apparently, by the looks of it, Discord wrote almost an entire story about Diamond Tiara becoming...Apple Bloom's sister? Oh my gosh, Celestia forbid that should ever happen. I apologize for any inconveniences.