This morning was a busy one for Rarity. She was sure to be up earlier than usual to ensure she was in tip-top form. She had just gotten into the shower and prepared her ensemble of shampoo, conditioner, and treatment when she smelled an unmistakable aroma.

Smoke.

Slamming her rightmost forehoof onto the porcelain of the tub did not deter her gallop down the stairs.

To her relief, none of the structure, nor shop inventory was ablaze. Much to her dismay however, the smoldering emerged from the kitchen. Which could only mean one thing.

"Hiya sis!" Sweetie grinned. "I know you and Scootaloo have a lot to do today, so I got up and made you both breakfast! Mom's been teaching me how to cook, she says I'm really good now!"

I ought to remind mother that there's a difference between encouraging, and condoning dangerous behavior. Rarity thought to herself as she prayed to Celestia that Scootaloo would be initiated on the proper response when eati--enduring Sweetie's ungodly creati--cooking.

She wasn't.

The sounds of Scootaloo, barely awake, fighting desperately to break down the rock-like substance that was misleadingly shaped like bread only intensified Sweeties fixation on her. She watched both of them with anticipation. Rarity simply smiled and nodded as she daintily sampled every item: from the "toast", to the " eggs", she simply hoped she wouldn't break her jaw in the process.

Scootaloo however,didn't bother with politeness. After attempting for several minutes to chew a grape-sized chunk of "toast", her face was warped with an expression that couldn't be mistaken for anything but repulsion.

"So...what do you think?" Sweetie asked the pegasus with eager eyes.

"Not gonna lie, this is pretty bad." Scootaloo wasn't holding back.

The anticipatory Sweetie Belle felt a chill as she deflated, shank into her seat.

"W...what?"

Rarity, taking the role of damage control, whisked Scootaloo into the kitchen.

"Just what in Celestias name do you think you're doing?" She teethed.

"Answering her question?" Scootaloo shrugged.

"You don't do that! You're supposed to tell her you like it!"

"But...it's terrible. I think I chipped a tooth. Did you see what was in that cup? I don't know what that is, but I know I could hurt someone with it."

Rarity winced. "Look, what she did was very thoughtful--"

"Premeditated murder?" Scootaloo smirked.

Rarity couldn't hide her amusement. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Okay?"

"Sooo, you're asking me to shut up then?"

Rarity sighed. Scootaloo was a crabby and snarky morning pony. That was for sure.

"Yes dear." Rarity sighed. "Shut up."

The two returned to the table. Sweetie Belle deflated, but by no means defeated. Scootaloo reached for the "bacon", or at least that's what Sweetie called the wavy strips of charcoal and suffering.

Had Scootaloo pre-empted this meal with the intent of earning her acting cutie mark, it'd be on her flank by now. Her stomach was furious, her throat literally attempted to make it difficult to swallow, and her taste buds were forming a suicide pact. So far as Sweetie could see, she liked it.

"Mmmm." Scootaloo lied. "This is really good, Sweetie Belle!"

"Really?" Sweetie beamed.

"Yup!" Scootaloo nodded enthusiastically as she tried very hard to keep the chunks from blowing all over the table.

"Well, I hope you made room for cinnamon rolls!" Sweetie Belle chirped.

“Sweetie darling, do you think you could run some errands on my behalf while we’re away?” Rarity asked with the bat of an eye as she and Scootaloo prepared to leave. The horrid breakfast from an hour earlier still threatening to evacuate their stomachs.

“Why can’t I just go with?” Sweetie protested.

“Er, this is a meeting between myself, Mr. Rich, as well as Scootaloo and Ms. Tiara; I’m afraid we must leave it at that.”

“Don’t worry. you won’t miss out on anything.” Scootaloo groaned.

“Now Scootaloo, remember,” Rarity cautioned, “You need to present yourself with care. I don’t want to do this anymore than you do. If we are to get this over with, you will play by the rules, you understand?”

“Yeah, yeah. Can we go already?”

“Patience dear, I have to make a list of errands for Sweetie to run,” Rarity said as she produced a ridiculously long roll of paper. Sweetie’s face turning from curious to crushed as her sister seemed to scribe a week's worth of errands on it.

“Do I seriously have to do all of this today?” Sweetie protested as she gave the list a look-over.

"It may seem daunting, but I can assure you if you put your best hoof forward, you’ll be done by the afternoon!”

And, you will be well away from the kitchen.

“Ohn...fun. My whole morning running errands. By myself.” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“If you both behave, I promise you shall be treated to Sugarcube Corner.” Rarity needed to ensure both her sister and her ward walked the fine line she had drawn.

Sweetie seemed fine with this, though Scootaloo still bore a look of pessimism as they headed out the door.

Sweetie Belle took one more look at her list, and let out a frustrated groan. She would much rather be with Scootaloo than run these stupid errands. She didn’t even know where a good portion of these locations were.

“Great.” Sweetie Belle sighed. “Better get started.”

After a ten minute stroll which lead out of town, and up a rather large hill, Scootaloo and Rarity passed through the artful, yet imposing gates which lead into the garden just before the manor itself. Manicured grass, vibrant and varied flowers and shrubbery; and a decadent fountain highlighted the center of the circular enclave of green encircled by a rich brick road which lead to the home, and out they way they came.

Rarity was like a foal in a candy store. Gushing over every blade of grass it seemed.

“Where do I begin? From the architecture, the decadence; my word this estate is simply splendid!”

“Last time I checked, we weren’t here for sightseeing.” Scootaloo remarked, her face flushed with embarrassment by her guardian’s conduct.

Rarity glared at the filly who seemed adamant to make her as miserable as she was.

“Now Scootaloo, it sounds to me like you have somewhat of an attitude. I certainly hope that is the last I hear of it. young lady.”

Scootaloo’s response was preempted by the large doors of the estate opening. Filthy Rich standing in the doorway.

“Come in, come in Lady Rarity, Ms. Scootaloo; we have tea prepared.” Rich disappeared back into the house, tempting Rarity and Scootaloo to follow him inside.

The interior of the home was just as, if not more terrific than the exterior. The foyer alone shamelessly flaunted the wealth and wares of its owner; victorian-era architecture blended with classical ornaments and decorum that once again brought Rarity into a near-trance. Had it not been Scootaloo’s nudge into her side, she likely would’ve marveled at every nook and cranny from here, to eternity.

The corridor they were guided down featured the same theme, trading the off-white walls, and dark-brown trim, for a darker red walls, with gold linings, and white trim. Expensive art pieces lined the walls, and two silver chandeliers hung above. The dining hall made no exception in the prevailing impression of wealth that the preceding rooms engrained into their visitors. Upon the long, cherry-oak table, were two cups of tea for the the elder ponies, and two glasses of apple juice for the the two fillies.

“I must say Mr. Rich, this home, this estate is beautiful.” Rarity complimented as she and Scootaloo took their seats which were across from Mr. Rich and his daughter.

“All complements to my late wife.” Mr Rich smiled at the compliment, “She was always one for having as she said, ‘a home fit for hosting the finest of ponies’.”

“Well she certainly had an eye for decorum.”

“Her eyes alone at first,” the stallion smirked as he took a sip of tea,

“I was a humble stallion from a well-to-do lineage that was opposed to the idea of expressing one's’ wealth through grandeur as opposed to gesture. Ruby was, how do I say, always one to pronounce her extravagance. Can’t say it bothered me too much,” Rich let out a hearty laugh,

“I live in it for Celestia’s sake.” Mr Rich retrieved some papers from a manilla envelope before him, and jogged them as he cleared his throat. “You must be Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo found herself oddly intimidated by the stallion. She certainly didn’t expect him to be so sociable considering what she did to Diamond Tiara.

“Y...yeah.” Scootaloo stuttered. A smirk formed on Diamond’s face.

Filthy Rich extended a hoof to her, “I’m Diamond Tiara’s father, Filthy Rich. You may call me ‘Mr. Rich’ if you’d prefer.”

Scootaloo meekly shook his hoof, trembling all about as she did so. She honestly expected nothing less than for him to grab her by the hoof, drag her over the table, and reenact the wounds inflicted on his daughter.

“You seem frightened.” Mr Rich couldn’t help but grin himself at her obvious fear of him. “You have nothing to be afraid of young lady. I am a man of reform and repentance, not of retaliation and reprisal.”

“Huh?” Scootaloo found herself stumped by his vernacular.

“It means he wishes to make amends with you, dear.” Rarity explained. “He won’t hurt you.”

“We are here to ensure both of you see some common ground, and…” Filthy Rich glanced to Rarity.

“...to do something about your grades.” Rarity finished his sentence.

“Grades?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“Mrs. Cheerilee informed us that both of you are worst-performing in your class.” Mr. Rich frowned. “Silvy is among the top three, honey.”

“And Sweetie Belle is top of her class.” Rarity added. “If I’m not mistaken, the third lowest grade in her class is a B-.”

“...and what are we?” Scootaloo asked.

“F” Rarity grimaced. “Neither of you do, let alone turn in your work it seems.”

Scootaloo and Diamond both seemed confused by this seemingly orchestrated back-and-forth. The two acted as if they were familiar friends.

“Plus,” Mr. Rich continued, “After our little incident earlier this week, it came to my attention that Mrs Rarity and I hardly see each-other anymore.” The stallion smiled, with Rarity doing the same.

“You two know each other?” Scootaloo asked. Surprised.

“Yes, dear.” Rarity laughed, “We went to high school together.”

Either Mr. Rich is really young, or Rarity is doing a great job keeping her appearance. Scootaloo thought, never daring say that out loud.

“My wife, Diamond’s mother, was always a fan of Mrs. Rarity’s designs; and in our junior-high days in Manehatten, well, you could say I was a fan or Mrs. Rarity in general.”

Diamond and Scootaloo recoiled some at the thought of the mare and stallion being a thing at one point.

“When she told me of your circumstances Scootaloo,” Rich continued, a more serious tone, “I couldn’t help but feel sorry for you. My little girl and I know some of what it is like to miss someone so close to them. I also know for certain that Rarity will make a fantastic provider, and if you so choose, a mother. That being said, you both are being disciplined here, two different offences. I shouldn’t have to state what they are; you are both very aware.”

Scootaloo and Diamond both exchanged glances. Something seemed off about the later. Scootaloo knew she herself was out of her element. She wanted to do anything but this, and be anywhere but here; yet, DIamond Tiara… she was home, in her natural habitat; her domain. Her daddy held all the cards, and yet she acted as if she were on the losing end, reluctantly awaiting the hammer of victory to come down against her favor.

“We figured the best course of action, would be to have you two study together.” Rarity began, “You two will convene here, and cooperate to finish this make-up assignment that Cheerilee has so kindly furnished for you both.”

“What?” Diamond Tiara startled. “B-but Silver Spoon and I-”

“There will be no Silver Spoon this week, Princess.” Rich said sternly. “You and Scootaloo are to do as Mrs. Cheerilee asked, and as Rarity and I expect.”

“I don’t want to hear of you being abrasive, Scootaloo.” Rarity quipped.

“And in a similar vein, I expect you to treat her as you would Silver Spoon or anypony else.” Mr. Rich said, looking directly into Diamond’s eyes. “I expect you to be respectful and accommodating. She is our guest, after all.”

“Mr. Rich and I will be here if you need anything.” Rarity smiled. Looking forward to catching up with an old friend, and hoping this ‘punishment’ would be enough to ensure her continued to think as highly of her as he did.

“Why don’t you show her to the study?” Mr. Rich nudged his daughter, “Bentley has already prepared snacks for you two.”

Diamond reluctantly hopped from her seat, and she, followed by Scootaloo, made their way out of the room.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Mr. Rich said assuringly.

“I sure hope so…” Rarity worried. “Scootaloo did say she felt bad for what she did, I just hope she doesn’t repeat that mistake.”

“I was very explicit in telling Diamond that any form of teasing was unacceptable.” Mr. Rich said. “She won’t be any trouble.”

Time wore on like a line for Sweet Apple cider. Diamond and Scootaloo sat opposite each other, worksheets before them. Both working silently, and it seemed carefully, on the assignment on hoof. This was supposed to be a cooperative affair, though neither seemed to want to make the first move in ensuring this was the case.

Save for the faint peaks of hearty laughter from Filthy Rich or Rarity on the opposite end of the estate, the scratching of graphite on paper, and the muffled ticking and tocking of a decorative wall clock on the adjacent wall, the room was absolutely silent. In the minds of the two fillies however, there was no such thing as quiet. Only turmoil.

Should I say something? Diamond wondered to herself. Occasionally glancing from her work to see the pegasus focused on her task. Daddy did say we had to make nice… I’m not intimidated by her, am I? The voice in her mind snorted with a dismissive laugh: Intimidated? Of a blank-flanked pegasus that can’t even fly like a foal? Pa-lease. She’s the one making this awkward.

Is she scared of me? Scootaloo’s thoughts recited a similar curiosity. I know I’m supposed to talk to her, but about what? This is so dumb! I bet Sweetie and Apple Bloom are at Sugarcube Corner right now, or crusading. Lucky bas--

“Hey.” The stoic utterance brought Scootaloo back into reality. Diamond was looking glowers at her, as if what she was about to do was among the most repulsive thing she could imagine.

“Help me.” Diamond commanded pointing a hoof to a particular question.

“Why?” Scootaloo winced. Equally evasive.

“Cause you have too, blank flank.” Diamond said with a preempting sigh as if she were talking to someone of mental inferiority.

“How about you not call me that then?” Scootaloo growled.

“Fine. Help me with this problem.” Diamond showed no interest in apologizing.

“Which one is it?” Scootaloo asked. Cautiously moving to the opposite end of the table. Diamond recoiling when she came within hoofs reach.

“Hey, back it up a little.” Diamond nipped. Scootaloo rolling her eyes as she scooted away.

The two were quiet, avoiding eye contact. Diamond thought about what her dad said. She very much didn’t want to, but she had too. It was a chore to force the words out. Each syllable leaving a bitter aftertaste in her mouth, and a turn in her stomach.

“Sorry. I’m just...not in a good mood.” It was hardly audible.

“Ya think?” Scootaloo quipped. Once again inching close enough to where she could examine Diamond's worksheet. She was met with no resistance this time.

“I don’t get what she means when she asks to ‘Summarize the peace treaty between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom’. I never remember her going over that.”

“She’s terrible about that.” Scootaloo sighed. “She gets started on one thing, and then goes off on some mess about her day, or her last spa trip. It’s annoying.”

“Isn’t it though?” Diamond unconsciously spouted.

“What she means is, we have to read that book she gave us. You have that...right?”

“What, you didn’t bring it?” Diamond scoffed, “Leave it to the feather head to forget something like that.”

“Knock it off, alright?” Scootaloo groaned. “You got yours, or not?”

“Duh. Of course I do!” Diamond huffed. “Let’s go.” She wished very much to have gone by herself, but soon enough she was headed to her room, Scootaloo flanking her.

Trotting through the halls, neither dared to speak, lest they run afoul of their paternal figures. Scootaloo scanned about the walls, noticing the art pieces, and eventually, photographs; a daughter and her father. Only one, dated photograph showed what appeared to be Tiara’s mother. One in which Diamond couldn’t have been but a foal. She had apparently stopped to scrutinize the photo, as she felt a tap startle her.

“What are you staring at?” Diamond inquired, seemingly annoyed. “We’re almost there.”

Unhappy being startled like that, Scootaloo’s remark was but a grumble as the two continued until they finally came upon an artful white door which was adorned with a pink sign hanging from a flower stud. On it, the words “Princess” were embroidered in white cursive.

Diamond’s room was quite the sight. Tall, dark lavender walls curved into a dome ceiling with a silver chandelier up above whose shape very much resembled a circular rendition of the tiara on the filly’s head. Her bed was a queen size, made of sturdy hoof-crafted wood painted white with faux gold decorum; topped with a silk canopy. Opposite this, three tall windows with dome-shape tops spaced to create an interesting pattern of light and shadow on the floor; adorned with silk curtains which matched the canopy.

In one corner, sat a large cache of stuffed animals, all about twice Scootaloo’s size, but unimposing. One in particular, a rabbit, was much larger than it had any right to be; and towered over the others in the innermost of the congregation. A closet sat on the wall perpendicular; parallel the bed with doors that were about as large as the one the came in. Scootaloo could imagine it was a fancy walk-in closet of some sort.

Where Diamond was headed, was a simple yet equally artful desk in the style and scheme of the bed with its color and trim. Numerous pictures of Diamond, her Daddy, Silver Spoon, and one of a mare; the same Scootaloo had seen in the hallway.

Definitely her mom. Scootaloo thought to herself as she saw Diamond rummage through a nearby bookshelf.

“I think I found it.” Diamond announced, producing a book. She turned to Scootaloo for confirmation, only to see the filly too close to her toys for comfort.

“Hey, get over here! We don’t have time to mess around.” She already felt dirty letting the likes of Scootaloo in her sanctuary, she very much didn’t like the blank flank so close to her prized possessions.

“Sorry, this is pretty cool Diamond.” Scootaloo complemented.

“Are you kidding? This is boring as tartarus!”

“No stupid, your room.” Scootaloo glowered.

“Oh...” Diamond found herself oddly nervous. “Thanks I guess.”

“Anyway, I found the book.” She put the book on the floor, and glanced at the table of contents briefly, hurriedly flipping to the relevant page.

The two sat beside each other without incident, each seeming to read each page at the same pace, as Scootaloo’s turning of the pages never elicited any protest.

Both found it rather fascinating. The history of Equestria, especially the tumultuous bits, were always captivating. In this case, the Last War of Discord was the final major interracial conflict between a faction composed of Earth ponies and unicorns, against pegasi and griffons. The battle scenes described were cinematic, the accounts of soldiers and survivors captivating. There were also paintings. Pictures were always a plus.

Feeling her neck strain, Diamond without a word, picked up the book, and hopped on her bed. Propping two pillows to support her as she sat on them. Her back hooves extending forward. She didn’t acknowledge Scootaloo who sat at the edge of the bed. Unsure of what to do, though noticed Diamond had fluffed and propped some pillows on the other side of the bed as well, with the book slowly pushed into the center as if this action waged war with unwaning hesitation and uncertainty. Scootaloo carefully climbed onto the bed, and took her place beside the filly who seemed to not mind her presence.

Scootaloo was growing bored as they continued reading through the accounts of a war, diplomacy, and examining various maps, diagrams, and asides. The silence was bugging her.

“Never been to the Griffon Kingdom.” She remarked casually. She expected no response, and was granted with such for a few minutes.

“My daddy has been there once.” Diamond said without thought, “Something about expanding his business there.”

“You didn’t go?”

“Naw, I was a little filly then. I had a sleepover with Silver Spoon.”

“You two hang out a lot?”

“Yeah.” Diamond replied with an air of longing. “Though Daddy won’t let me see her this week.”

“That stinks.” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah,” Diamond agreed. Seeming to forget their relationship, she posed a genuine question that had always lingered about.

“You hang out with those other blank flanks a ton, don’t you?”

“Sure do! Why do you ask?”

“I dunno, I always see you bla--girls running around, doing all sorts of co--w-weird stuff.”

Scootaloo could’ve swore Diamond almost just admitted that she was not only aware of what the crusaders did, but found their exploits and escapades...cool. She figured it wa best not to bring it up, and they resumed reading for another hour or so.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Diamond slammed the book shut.

“Hey!” Scootaloo whined. “I was reading that!”

“So was I.” Diamond said. “But I’m bored. I’m gonna go get some fresh air.” Diamond hopped off the bed and made her way out the door.

Scootaloo noticed she wasn’t invited on this quick little intermission in their studies. Between not knowing her way around the place, and wanting some outside time herself, quickly leapt off the bed, and followed Tiara through the labyrinth of halls towards another staircase.

Diamond didn’t seem to notice Scootaloo until they reached a window which she saw her reflection.

“Why are you following me?” Diamond asked. Clearly unhappy.

“You expect me to stay in your room while you go outside?” Scootaloo asked.

Diamond didn’t dare answer that, instead she sighed and opened the door that lead to the backyard.

“Just so you know,” Diamond Tiara said with a haughty tone, “This doesn’t make us friends. I don’t like you.”

“Ditto.” Scootaloo stoically replied. “Glad you reminded me.”

“Didn’t think I needed to.” Diamond continued, a lopsided smirk, “I just wanted to make sure your pea-sized bird brain wasn’t getting the wrong idea.”

“What, you think I’m enjoying this?” Scootaloo couldn’t help but laugh with a look of disbelief.

“N--no, of course not!” Diamond retorted in surprise, yet recovered quickly, “That’s not it at all! Though, I can see the allure of being in the presence of somepony such as myself.”

“You say that as if that’s a good thing.” Scootaloo was not amused.

“How rude!” Diamond recoiled with faux offense, “One more remark like that, and I’m telling my daddy, and your mommy you called me names!”

“She’s not my mom.” Scootaloo deadpanned. “I kinda figured that was obvious.”

“Whatever, blank flank.” Diamond’s ears flattened. This wasn’t as fun as she thought it was. She knew as much as Scootaloo, they had to put on the appearance of making amends; being ‘study buddies’ as it were. It’s what Daddy wanted.

Outside there was a pool of course; a hedge maze, a botanical garden, but what caught Scootaloo’s eye was located high up in a large tree.

“Whoa.” Scootaloo was awestruck.

“It’s a lot nicer than that ghetto one you blank flanks have huh?” Diamond smirked.

“Yeah it’s...Yeah. It’s cool.” Scootaloo glanced at the pink filly, suddenly realizing what she had said. “You’re not supposed to call us that, remember?”

“What else am I supposed to call you?” Diamond asked. She seemed serious.

“Scootaloo.” Scootaloo deadpanned, “You know, my name?”

“Right. I knew that.” Diamond shot back, embarrassed where she should have been smug.

“Can we go check it out?” Scootaloo asked.

“No.” Diamond answered sternly. “Besides, We need to get back to doing our work!” Diamond complained.

“Oh stop being such a stick in the mud.” Scootaloo replied dismissively. “You just don’t want me in there.”

“If I had my way, you would have never set foot near this house to begin with.” Diamond muttered.

“Figures.” Scootaloo shrugged. She set her sights on the next structure of interest. A nearby prefabricated shed. Throwing its doors open, she saw a wide array of toys. Hoofballs, hoola hoops, a trampoline, and…

“A scooter?” Scootaloo asked herself out loud. The two doors of the shed promptly slammed in front of her.

“Hey!” Diamond barked. Face flushed. “Who said you could just rummage through ponies stuff?”

“I never knew you had a scooter.” Scootaloo inquired.

“I don’t.” Diamond lied.

“I just saw it.” Scootaloo asserted. “It has a pink deck, and white wheels and grips. It looks pretty cool, honestly.”

To say Diamond was mortified would be an understatement. Between this shed, and her treehouse, it was becoming very clear to the feathered filly before her of what should have been obvious.

“Ok, that’s enough.” Diamond huffed as she made her way back towards the house. “Daddy won’t be to happy if he finds out--”

She was stalled by the sounds of the scooter now outside, and a pink wagon clicking on the ground as Scootaloo attached it to the rear.

“Put that back!” Diamond fumed. She made a mad rush for the filly who mounted the scooter, and pushed it forward slight enough to where the pink filly tripped and fell into the wagon.

The next thing Diamond knew, they were moving. Quickly. She dared not let go of the trim of the wagon as she saw the flowers, flora, and furnishings of her estate become but a blur.

“Hey!” Diamond screamed. “Knock it off blank flank!”

“What’d you say?” Scootaloo shot a glance to her unwitting passenger, a toothy grin about her. “Full speed ahead? On it!”

“NO!” Diamond squealed as speeds she thought were impassable, were exceeded. She traded glances between the furious humming of Scootaloo’s wings, to the woods and eventually, the homes of south Ponyville go the way her home did.

Scootaloo loved that wind whipping through her. The obstacle course of bystanders, pedestrians, and miscellaneous carts and crates served to be swerved around, shot under, and ramped over. She had long since forgotten her passenger who had a death grip on the wagon. Her screaming since sending her voice to the wind that whipped by.

Though that though, the scene of her world as told by the unreal speed of a filly and her fluttering was mesmerizing. Her fear slowly morphed into exhilaration. She wasn’t sure why, but she began to enjoy this reckless race through town. This is what Scootaloo did most every day. That scooter that sped towards an unknown destination, piloted by a filly who had no reason to bring her along; was bought for her, a product of her jealousy. She wished one day to ride it herself. but feared that doing so with put her at odds with the image she had created.

She was having fun. And she had only Scootaloo to thank for it.

Before she could register any other thoughts, the ride came to an abrupt stop. Or, at least, the scooter did. The wagon however, continued a 360 degree spin. Slamming into the scooter, and sending its passenger into the air, and into damp dirt.

The next thing Diamond Tiara saw, was the concerned face of Scootaloo.

“Oh crap! Sorry Diamond, I didn’t mean to do that! Honest!”

Diamond helped herself up. Her heart very much racing away, showing no signs of slowing anytime soon. She caught her breath, and looked at the orange pegasus, and then her surroundings. They were at the cutie mark crusader clubhouse. The opposite end of town.

“Are you okay?” Scootaloo asked, growing panicked. “I’m really, really sorry!”

“Yeah.” Diamond still was breathing heavy. “I’m...fine.”

“Phew!” Scootaloo wiped a bead of sweat off her brow, “I thought for sure you’d be mad as hell.”

“Nope.” Diamond smiled. “That was actually…” She caught herself.

“Was actually what?” Scootaloo’s grin expanded.

“Forget about it.” Diamond insisted.

The two turned towards town. The sun was setting, casting a shimmer of pink and gold to outline the shimmering lights of Ponyville. The contrast of the darkened buildings against the vibrant sky was a sight in and of itself. The moon could barely be seen hanging above the gradient between day and night.

“How come you never hang out in your treehouse?” Scootaloo asked. Still facing the view of Ponyville.

“W--I dunno. Silvy and I never bother. It’s pretty new.” Diamond sat beside her to see what was so captivating. She found herself rather taken by the view as well. A gold shimmer slowly crept along the bottom of the horizon, as the sun was continuing its slow descent, stars fading in in the darkest reaches of the sky.

“New?” Scootaloo asked. “

“Yeah. Daddy had it built after I asked him for one.”

The wheels in Scootaloo’s brain did a few revolutions until a light bulb flicked on.

“Did it have something to do with this ‘ghetto treehouse’ of ours?” Scootaloo smirked as she pointed to the simple structure to their left.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Diamond scoffed. “I--I always wanted a treehouse.”

“...and?” Scootaloo pressed.

Diamond sighed. She was cornered.

“...and with you three always talking about yours, I wanted one. There, happy?”

“Yup.” Scootaloo beamed.

“So, you don’t play up there much?” Scootaloo still found herself puzzled that anypony would neglect such an amazing place.

“Like I said, Silvy and I don’t really...do stuff like that.” Diamond answered.

“What do you two do then?” Scootaloo continued.

“Well...not much.” Diamond hesitated, “We usually just go each others houses, have dinner with their family, and, hang out I guess.”

“That doesn’t sound very fun.” Scootaloo frowned.

Diamond Tiara thought about that for a moment. That doesn’t sound very fun? she questioned.

“You ever get lonely sometimes?” Scootaloo asked.

“Wh--what? Me? Lonely? What kind of egghead question is that?”

“It doesn’t sound like you have any other friends except Silver Spoon, and it doesn’t sound like you two do much together.”

“What do you care?” Diamond protested, “We’re supposed to be doing homewor--”

“Is that why you tease us all the time?” Scootaloo had a bite, and she had every intention of reeling it in.

Diamond froze. She had never thought of it that way before. It seemed rational in her mind that she would get bored, tease the crusaders for a quick fix of fun. But why?

“I don’t know.” Diamond answered quickly. “Why are we even talking about this?”

“We’ve always been curious, you know.” Scootaloo answered. “Rarity once told me that bullies are usually ponies who are lonely or sad about something.”

“So?” Diamond took a glance to her right. She could see Sweet Apple Acres. It didn’t seem as lively as usual. She had heard various things about what had happened there; specifically what had happened to her classmate, Apple Bloom. She remembered the things she said to her.

“I know what it’s like to feel lonely, Diamond Tiara.” Scootaloo stated. Her tone, and her expression halted any desire to rebuke. She sat back down.

“I never got to know my parents.” Scootaloo began. “I’ve lived by myself pretty much all of my life. I lived in the school basement, the clubhouse; I was at an orphanage when I was really young. I hated it though. Now I live with Rarity, and that’s cool I guess, but I do wonder about them sometimes.”

“Oh.” Was all the pink filly could muster.

“I always hoped that school would be an escape from all that. It was for awhile.”

Diamond was ignorant at first, but as her mind started putting the pieces together, she braced herself for what she knew was coming.

“You and Silver Spoon.” Scootaloo began, “The things you say to us, about us; those things hurt.”

“I…” Diamond was tongue tied.

“I always wondered why we couldn’t just be friends.” Scootaloo continued, “I know we don’t have our cutie marks yet, but that shouldn’t mean that we can’t be friends, that sounds silly, and shallow.”

Diamond hung her head. Had it been anywhere else, she could’ve brushed it off, laughed it up, told Scootaloo to mind her own. The scenery that surrounded her, and the words that approached her; she wasn’t in the domain of the playground, she wasn’t home. That same air of superiority and invincibility that kept her aloft was all but distant.

“I’m sorry.” Diamond kept her gaze to the ground. “It’s just...you guys do all sorts of cool things. You get to go on adventures, and speed around on that scooter; you guys have your own little club, and you get into all sorts of trouble…”

Scootaloo seemed slightly confused by this outpouring of admissions, and felt guilty. As if she had pushed too much. She went to apologize for sticking her nose in Diamond’s business, but was cut off.

“Daddy says I can’t get dirty.” Diamond said. “Ever since Mommy died, I’ve been his little princess. He’s always watching me, always buying me what I want...so I don’t get dirty.”

Scootaloo went from guilty to confused rather quickly.

“Before Mommy passed away, I loved going to the park, running around; getting sappy and muddy. Mommy always called me a ‘Diamond in the rough’. Daddy doesn’t like it when I remind him of that--I always must be clean.

“I want to get dirty.” Diamond looked up at Scootaloo. She wasn’t sad, wasn’t on the verge of tears; she was a mix of angry and determined. “I want to go on an adventure, and come back covered in mud. I want to do what you guys do…”

Diamond turned her gaze back to the lights ahead. Scootaloo still looking at her with perplexity. She understood the better part of what she was getting at, though the backstory was certainly a strange one.

“Can we be friends, Scootaloo?” Diamond asked. Her face red with embarrassment, trembling all hooves.

Scootaloo couldn’t help but snicker at this display. It was obviously still very hard for her to ask such a thing.

“Why?” Scootaloo asked genuinely curious.

“Because.” Diamond answered. “I wanna be a ‘Diamond in the rough.’”

Scootaloo pondered this for a moment. Today they had it seemed, warmed up each other enough to coexist, but she wasn’t so sure if ‘friend’ was something one could earn at the drop of a hat. Though, she remembered how she and Sweetie Belle first met. Rarity had volunteered some blankets to the orphanage which Scootaloo lived. She had brought Sweetie Belle with her. The intent of course to have her assist distribution of said blankets.

However, one filly in particular struck her fancy. First they began talking about her scooter, then they were zipping around the orphanage in it. Mayhem and misguidance later, they were hanging out at school. Scootaloo then reflected on Apple Bloom. An ambiguous filly with a funny manner of speaking. At Diamonds’ cute-ceanera nonetheless, they watched her plight as she attempted to conceal the fact that she, like them, did not have her cutie mark. Seeing her torment, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood up for her. They formed an alliance, the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

If such simple circumstances could bring those two to be her friends, then it figured that whatever forged this bridge between enemies would suffice.

“You promise not to bully us anymore?” Scootaloo asked with a stern tone.

Diamond Tiara struggled with this question. Not because she literally took issue with not being mean to her, it conflicted with her identity. It was almost natural to simply top off a school day by reminding the ‘blank flanks’ of their inferiority, and sprinkle in some personal remarks as well. She debated in her mind whether or not this was worth it.

“Yeah.” Diamond smiled weakly. “I promise.”

“Cool.” Scootaloo got on the scooter again. “We should probably get going, huh?”

Diamond had zoned out on the panorama before her, forcing scootaloo to stomp her hoof on the wagon, the metallic noise jolted the pink filly out of her daze.

She climbed into the wagon, silently anticipating that beautiful rush of wind against her face.

Sweetie Belle’s hooves were rather sore. She took it upon herself to lie in the middle of the showroom of the boutique. She had hauled flank around town, carrying fabrics, boxes, all manner of things on her own which brought her to a snail’s pace by the end of the day. With each item on the list that was checked off, it seemed that a good chunk of her will to see this through went with it.

Which could explain her immense delight when she heard the door to the boutique fly open courtesy of Scootaloo, who also seemed to be in good spirits.

Before the two could discuss their day, Rarity inspected the pile of supplies and fabrics which her sister bought. Sweetie Belle watched nervously.

“Well, I must say Sweetie, I am very proud of you.” Rarity smiled. “You managed to get everything on here; wonderful!”

Sweetie couldn’t help but wear a wide grin. Complements from her sister were few and far between, especially whenever Sweetie endeavoured to be her assistant.

“How did it go with Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Pretty good actually.” Scootaloo seemed nervous Unsure of whether to tell her that they were friends.

“Oh?” Sweetie was surprised..

“Why yes, they got along quite nicely.” Rarity seemed more proud of herself than anything. “Both of you girls most certainly earned a treat tomorrow.”

“YAY!” The two crusaders rejoiced. Their day's efforts rewarded.

It was late, so after some cookies and milk, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle retired to Scootaloo's room for the night. They opted to tuck themselves in this evening, and now had the lights out and were easing into sleep.

“So things went well with her, huh?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah.” Scootaloo hesitated. “I actually had a lot of fun.”

“Seriously?” Sweetie Belle was stunned.

“Mmhm.” Scootaloo replied, “We hung out in her room, rode her scooter through town; she has a really awesome treehouse too. I was thinking we could maybe use that for our clubhouse since we can’t go to Sweet Apple Acres anymore.”

“Hold on Scoots, so you and Diamond...hung out?”

“Is that a problem?”

“No! I just, I’m surprised. She’s the one that always calls us ‘blank flanks’ and all sorts of mean stuff.”

“Not anymore.” Scootaloo beamed.

“How do you know that?” Sweetie asked. Still very skeptical things went so well.

“I told her about how the things she says hurts our feelings...let’s just say we had time to talk about some things. She promised to not bully us anymore.”

“That sounds nice but, I’ll believe it when I see it.” Sweetie was not convinced.

“Suit yourself.” Scootaloo laughed, “You really don’t believe me, do you?”

“Well...I guess we’ll see, huh?”

“Yup. How was your day?”

“Meh, it was okay. Just ran some boring errands. I did see Twilight and Apple Bloom out shopping at the farmer’s market though.”

“You say hi?”

“Naw, had to hurry to a specialty store before it closed.”

“Oh.”

The two seemed to be fine ending it there. Though after a few minutes, Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but ponder.

“You ever think we’ll be able to go to the clubhouse again?”

Scootaloo thought on this. “I don’t think so. With what Applejack and Big Mac did, I don’t think Apple Bloom would want to.”

“Makes sense. Sure does suck though.”

“Yeah.” Scootaloo yawned. “Maybe we’ll see her tomorrow.”

“I sure hope so.” Sweetie Belle yawned as well. “I can’t wait to see her reaction to your DIamond Tiara story.”

“Think she’ll believe me?”

“Not a chance.” The two laughed imagining their friends reaction.

As they fell asleep, they couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would bring.