Chapter 5

Diamond Dog Bank

The next morning, Twilight and Big Mac took a boat back to Ponyville. As they walked through town, Twilight looked over her school checklist. She needed spell books, school robes, a cauldron, and a wand. Twilight lived in Ponyville her whole life and knew that nopony sold magic items around here. "Big Mac, where can we possibly buy stuff like this?" Twilight asked the stallion. "We will get to that soon, Twilight." Big Mac answered. "But first, there are some ponies I would like you to meet." he said as they approached a bar. The bar had a big sign at the front that read, "The Equestrian Cauldron."

As Twilight and Big Mac entered the bar, they heard loud, booming noises everywhere. The bar was filled with ponies at each table. Everypony was either drinking or gambling. The first pony to notice Twilight and Big Mac enter was the bartender. He was a unicorn with a light-brown coat with a donut cutie mark on it and he had a dark-brown mane. He wore a white uniform with a matching hat.

"Ah, Big Mac! Here for the usual?" the bartender asked. "No thanks, Joe." Big Mac said politely. "I'm busy showing Twilight Sparkle around." The whole bar went silent at the mention of Twilight's name. "This is incredible! Twilight Sparkle has returned!" Joe shouted exited. Everypony got up from their seats and surrounded Twilight as if she was some kind of hero. They shook hooves with Twilight and introduced themselves. After greeting Twilight, everypony went back to their seats leaving the mare wondering how so many ponies know her.

"T-T-Twilight Sp-Sparkle, it's an honor to m-m-meet you!" a voice stuttered behind her. Twilight turned around and quickly realized that instead of a pony talking to her was a draconequus. The draconequus had a snake-like body that was composed of animal parts. It had a lion paw, an eagle talon for arms, a dragon claw, a goat hoof for the legs, and a goat face with antlers.

"Good morning Professor!" Big Mac greeted. "Twilight, this is Professor Discord. He will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Canterlot." Getting to know one of her teachers would be one of the best ways to make Twilight feel comfortable with enrolling in a new school. "It's nice to meet you." Twilight said extending her hoof. Instead of shaking Twilight's hoof, Discord just stood there shaking.

"Y-Y-Yes, it's a pleasure. If you'll excuse me, I must be on my way." Discord said trembling as if this is his first year teaching. "Let's go, Twilight. It's time to get you prepared for your first year." Big Mac said leading Twilight to the back door.

Twilight entered the back alley wondering how she became popular with the ponies at the bar. Has she done something incredible without realizing it? While Twilight was lost in her thoughts, Big Mac approached a brick wall with his umbrella in his hooves. He tapped the bricks with his umbrella in a specific order as if the wall itself was a puzzle. A few seconds later, the bricks separated from each other revealing a street with several shops on both sides. "Welcome to Diamond Alley, Twilight!" Big Mac said.

Twilight stared in amazement at the dozens of shops. There were shops that sold wizard hats, potions, and broomsticks. "This is amazing! But where can we find the money to buy stuff like this?" Twilight asked Big Mac as they walked through the alley. "We can get the money right there at Diamond Dog Bank." Big Mac explained pointing to a large white building. It's white color and large size made it look distinguishable from the other stores in Diamond Alley. Twilight followed Big Mac to the building and they climbed up the large steps leading to the bank.

The inside of Diamond Dog Bank had a long hallway with desks on both sides. Dog-like creatures sat at each desk. Some of them glanced at Twilight and Big Mac as they walked passed them. "Big Mac, what are those things?" Twilight asked feeling uncomfortable. "They are diamond dogs, Twilight." Big Mac answered. "You don't have to be afraid of them. They might go crazy in front of gems, but they are really misunderstood creatures." he assured.

The two ponies soon reached a podium at the end of the hall. Sitting on the podium was another diamond dog, but this one was much bigger than the others. It also wore a diamond collar around it's neck. "Excuse me, Fido." Big Mac said gaining the dog's attention. "We would like to make a withdrawal from Twilight Sparkle's vault." The big dog got up from his seat and glanced at the purple unicorn. "Does Miss Sparkle have her key?" Fido asked. "Yes, I have it in here somewhere." Big Mac said searching through his saddle bag.

After a few seconds, Big Mac pulled out a golden key from his bag. "And one more thing." the stallion said taking out a letter. "It's from Professor Celestia about the you-know-what" he said mysteriously. "Very well. I will have Rover escort you to the vaults." Fido informed.

The two ponies followed a short and skinny diamond dog through a long, dark passageway. The only source of light in there was the light from a lantern of a vehicle resembling a mine cart. "Right this way, please." Rover said motioning towards the vehicle. After they got in the vehicle, it started almost immediately. It took many twists and turns through the passageways. The motion of the mine cart made Twilight feel sick and dizzy.

She was soon overcome with relief when the mine cart came to a stop. "Here we are! Vault 713!" Rover announced. He opened the vault revealing a mysterious object wrapped in parchment. Big Mac took the object and placed it in his saddle bag. "What did you just take out of the vault?" Twilight asked. "Sorry, but I can't answer that. It's Canterlot business." Big Mac explained. "Now, follow me to Miss Sparkle's vault." Rover said. He led the ponies through the corridor to a giant vault. He unlocked the vault with the key revealing piles of bits and gems. They shined so bright they lit up the whole safe.

"All of this is for me!" Twilight squealed in excitement. Rover also stared at the money in delight fighting the urge to take a gem for himself. "Control yourself, Rover." he told himself. Twilight entered her vault amazed at the amount of bits and gems she had. This will be more than enough money to get her ready for Canterlot.