Babs was the first of the fillies to wake up in the morning. It was only four o'clock in the morning, but she had spent the better part of the night thinking about how she and her friends could make money off the Wonderbolts. She knew that the only sure way to make money was to know the outcome of a race before betting on it. Otherwise, it was just risking money. She didn't have all that many bits, and she knew her friends didn't have much money either. But Babs was planning to change all that.

The question that kept going through the filly’s mind was which of the Wonderbolts should she approach about it. She knew them only by reputation, but from what she heard Spitfire was definitely out. She'd never go along with them, and would probably report them the first chance she got to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash would tell Applejack and Rarity, and that would be the end of them all hanging out together. So approaching Spitfire was definitely not an option.

Next she considered whether Soarin’ would be a good candidate. She knew the second in command of the Wonderbolts was well known for believing in fairness. The more she thought about it, the more she saw that he resembled Applejack in many ways. That was enough to eliminate him from being an option. Anypony who could be the male equivalent of Applejack was definitely not the right fit for what Babs had in mind.

"Babs, are you awake?" Apple Bloom whispered softly.

"Yeah," Babs replied, keeping her voice quiet, "Just thinkin' about stuff."

"Me too," Apple Bloom whispered.

"What's going on?" Scootaloo asked quietly, looking over at the two fillies.

"Sorry, we didn't mean to wake you," Babs replied.

"You didn't. I've been awake for a little while."

"But you did wake me," Sweetie Belle replied. "What does it take to get some beauty sleep around here?"

"You’re definitely related to Rarity," was Apple Bloom’s sassy comeback.

"I'll take that as the compliment I know it was intended as. Rarity is an amazing inspiration to everypony she meets."

"I think we should take this outside," Babs said. "Before we wake up Rainbow Dash."

The four fillies carefully climbed out of bed and walked softly across the floor. They got to the door and opened it, thankful that the hinges were well oiled and didn't squeak. They closed the door gently behind them and walked out of the hotel. They sat down on the sidewalk outside and looked around. It was very early in the morning and nopony else was outside.

"Babs, what were you trying to tell us before we boarded the train?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I've been thinking about ways we can earn some money. I know that none of us here have all that much, and there are some good things we could do if we got more. I've been trying to figure out ways we can do that."

"You mean like what you suggested at the last meeting?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well that’s still an option, and something we'll be looking into when we get back to Ponyville. I was thinking of something we could do while we're here. With us unexpectedly having one on one access to the Wonderbolts, I was thinking about making a business proposition to one of them. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. One we can't afford to squander."

"What kind of proposition?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Ponies just love to bet on races, especially those that the Wonderbolts are involved in. The Wonderbolts are incredibly popular, and any race that they're in, even if there's only one Wonderbolt in the race it' s enough to make ponies from all over go crazy betting on them.

What I'm proposing is we find a Wonderbolt who'd be willing to finish the race in some position other than first. Let's say third, for example. They agree to finish third, we bet everything we've got on the Wonderbolt finishing in third place. It's almost expected a Wonderbolt will finish first, or at worst second, so if we get them to agree to third place nopony's going to question a bet like that.

They'll figure it's a sure win for them. A Wonderbolt finishing in third place? Absurd. So they'll take the bet. Then the Wonderbolt will finish in third place, and we collect our money. We send part of the winnings to the Wonderbolt as their share, and we split the rest between us."

"You're talking about fixing a race," Scootaloo said.

"Yes, I am," Babs replied.

"I think it's brilliant," Sweetie Belle said.

"If we can get a Wonderbolt to go along with it," Apple Bloom said. "How do we know that the Wonderbolt won't just tell Rainbow Dash about our intentions?"

"I was thinking about that," Babs said, "We need to choose carefully who we approach. Naturally Spitfire and Soarin’ are out. There's no chance either one would agree, and a good chance they'd tattle on us."

"You know how Rainbow Dash is always talking about the Wonderbolts. Well, she once mentioned a pony she was surprised to see become a Wonderbolt. I think her name was High Winds. According to Rainbow she apparently has a rather colorful past," Scootaloo said.

"It's a shame we can't get more info on what she did in her past," Sweetie Belle replied, "That'd be really helpful for us to make up our minds."

"Maybe we could, but it won’t be in time to help us decide now. If we're going to approach her, our chance is today," Babs said.

"All those in favor of approaching High Winds and asking her if she'd be willing to come in third place in her next race?" Apple Bloom asked.

Every one of the fillies raised their hoof.

"Then it's settled. We'll approach her after their show today if we can get her away from the others. If we can't get to talk to her in private, we call it off," Apple Bloom said.

The other Crusaders nodded.

"Let's head back inside and get a little more sleep. If Rainbow wakes up, we don't want her to find us all gone. She might get mad," Scootaloo said.

The Crusaders returned to their room and managed to catch a few more hours of sleep. When they next woke up it was almost seven o'clock. They looked at one other, and then at Rainbow Dash, who was snoring very softly as she slept.

"Hey Rainbow Dash, it's time to get up," Sweetie Belle said.

Rainbow Dash turned on her side and mumbled something incomprehensible. The Crusaders looked at each other and giggled.

"Come on Dash, it's 7 a.m. Don't you want to go on the rides?" Scootaloo asked.

Rainbow Dash opened one eye just barely enough to see the Crusaders, then looked at the clock on the wall.

"I only recognize one seven o'clock per day. This isn't it," Rainbow Dash muttered, closing the eye she had opened.

"Aww come on, you promised us remember?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Just twenty more minutes," replied the rainbow-maned pegasus before sleep overtook her once more.

The Crusaders let the cranky pegasus go back to sleep and laid back down for a brief nap as well. They all slept longer than twenty minutes, and when the Crusaders looked at the clock again they saw they had slept for nearly an hour.

"Okay, you wanted twenty minutes, Rainbow Dash. You got an hour. It's time to get up now," Babs said.

"Not this again. Look, I'll get up when I'm good and ready," Rainbow Dash said. "And I'm definitely not ready."

The Crusaders looked at each other and smiled. They all went and got plastic cups and filled them with ice-cold water from the sink in the bathroom. Then they returned to where Rainbow Dash was still sleeping.

"Well, that’s an interesting point of view," Babs said. "But I urge you to reconsider it in light of the following..."

The Crusaders wasted no time dumping their cups of water all over the resistant pegasus. Rainbow Dash screamed in surprise and leapt off the couch and into the air, her head dripping with water. She looked at the couch and gave the four fillies the dirtiest look she could manage. The Crusaders took one look at the expression on Rainbow's face and burst out laughing.

"That's not funny," Rainbow Dash said, annoyed.

"Maybe not to you, but from where we’re sitting it's pretty funny," Scootaloo replied, smiling innocently.

Rainbow Dash landed next to the fillies and shook the water off, spraying each of the four younger ponies with water. She laughed as she watched them knock each other over trying to get away from her. She spent a few minutes stretching her wings and legs while the Crusaders dried themselves off.

"Now that we're all even, I think we should go get some breakfast. There's a cafe not too far from here."

"What kind of food do they serve?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Because of the vast tracts of farmland around here, they specialize in meals based off fresh vegetables. I've eaten there a few times. Trust me, the food is amazing."

Apple Bloom held the door while Rainbow Dash led the others out of the room, and she closed it behind her. They walked down the long hallway, hooves making no sound as they trod along the plush burgundy carpeting towards the exit. Once outside, it was just a short walk down the block to the cafe. There were two-dozen wooden tables outside, and another dozen inside as well, but there were only a few ponies eating when they arrived.

Rainbow Dash led the fillies to a table in the middle of the dining area, and once they sat down a waitress came over to them.

"Well look who it is!" A turquoise-colored pegasus mare said as she prepared to take their order. A trio of green music notes adorned her flank. "Rainbow Dash! I haven't seen you since flight school!" She motioned for Rainbow Dash to stand up.

Rainbow stood up and received a hug from her long lost friend. She glanced around awkwardly as all eyes in the cafe were on them.

Scootaloo came to her rescue by running to the window and shouting, "Hey! There's a dragon attacking the building across the street!"

The rest of the ponies in the cafe rushed to look out the window, while Rainbow Dash quickly returned the hug.

"I see you still have problems displaying affection."

"Yeah, it kinda goes against my image. But it really is good to see you again. I've missed you since I dropped out. How have you been?"

"I've been okay. Took up residence here in Baltimare and I've been working here ever since I left Cloudsdale. How about you, Dash? Still as fast as you were back then?" the other pegasus asked.

"Faster,” Rainbow grinned, “Now I can do the Sonic Rainboom anytime I want."

"Really? That's amazing!"

"Of course it's amazing. If I'm involved it's bound to be amazing, awesome, or radical, or maybe even all three at once."

"So who are these fillies you have with you?" the blue mare interupted Rainbow's bragging.

"These are the Cutie Mark Crusaders. This is Babs, her cousin Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and my sister Scootaloo," Rainbow Dash replied, pointing to each of the fillies in turn.

"Sister? You never mentioned you had a sister before," the mare replied, looking at Scootaloo.

"There are lots of things I've never mentioned," Rainbow Dash replied.

"Fair enough. Nice to meet you young ladies! My name is Medley, and I'll be your waitress today."

“Nice to meet you, Medley,” replied the Crusaders in unison.

"So what does being a Cutie Mark Crusader entail?"

"It means we're on a quest to find our destinies!" said Apple Bloom.

"We're trying to find our place in this world," added Sweetie Belle.

"By trying absolutely everything we can until we find our special talent."

"Good luck, girls. I remember back in flight camp when I was trying to find my cutie mark," Medley said.

“How’d you get it?” asked Sweetie Belle, eyes wide with excitement.

"It started off when I was a little filly. My parents decided we should go see an opera. They wanted me to get to experience as much as possible, so every time a play, performance, or opera came to town they took me along. I developed quite a love for music by listening to music composers. My favorite is Baythoven. His song Moonlight Sonata is one of my all time favorite songs."

"Baythoven?" Apple Bloom asked. "Miss Cheerilee has mentioned him once, but she's never played any of his music in class."

"You should ask her to. If she doesn't have any of his music ask Rainbow Dash to send me a letter and let me know. I've got all of his records and I'd be happy to lend them to you," Medley replied.

"So you earned your cutie mark by learning to play music like Baythoven?" Babs asked.

"Not exactly. Listening to him gave me a love of music but I wasn’t talented enough to play as he does. My parents did get me piano lessons, but the instructors all agreed that it probably wasn't my destiny to play. If it were I would have a natural ability to do it and wouldn't have struggled like I did. So my parents withdrew me from the lessons, and that was the end of my piano playing days. That night they took me to an opera. A famous pegasui named Rosa Ponyselle was singing that night. One of my music teachers had taught us about her and let us listen to her songs. I was familiar with the one she was singing, so I sang along with her. I wasn't aware that I was singing loud enough for her to hear me."

"She heard you?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yep. She stopped the whole opera and demanded to know whom it was that was singing. My parents stood up and apologized for my actions. They assured her that it wouldn't happen anymore. Miss Ponyselle had other ideas, though. She complimented me on my singing and asked me to join her on stage."

"You got to join her on stage?" Scootaloo asked, sounding impressed.

"She said she enjoyed my singing and wanted me to sing with her for the rest of the evening. I hesitated but my parents talked me into it and I joined her. We sang the rest of the opera together, and the audience gave us a standing ovation. After the show was over Miss Ponyselle took my parents and I backstage and she talked to us about music and singing. She asked me if I had known that I had talent like that. I told her I sang from time to time but didn't think I was that good. My Mom pointed to my flank and when I looked back I had my cutie mark."

“Awww,” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom replied in unison.

"How'd you wind up here?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I thought you were going to be a part of the Symphony Harmonic in Canterlot."

"I sent in an application, but they told me they had no openings available at the time. Starsong, one of my friends, said she was opening a club here in Baltimare and would love it if I'd come perform for her. So I work for her during the night. I didn't take this job because I need the money. I took it because I love being around ponies. Well, that and the owners don't mind if I sing while I work."

"I never knew so many pegasi left Cloudsdale," Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh yeah. Cloudsdale is the most wonderful city in the sky, but there's a whole world out here. Anyways, that’s enough about me. What can I get you to drink?"

"Do you still sell apple cider soda and pumpkin floats?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"We sure do. It's one of our most popular drinks," Medley said.

"We'll each take one."

"Apple cider soda and pumpkin floats?" Babs asked.

"You're in for quite a treat. It’s the best drink in Baltimare," Rainbow Dash replied.

"Do you need a menu or do you know what you want to go with those drinks?"

"We're going on some roller coasters later, so I'm thinking we'll have the light breakfast casserole," Rainbow Dash said. "Individual portions."

"Got it. I'll be back soon with your drinks."

Medley turned and walked back to the kitchen. Five minutes passed and she came back carrying a tray with five drinks on it. She set the tray down and gave each of the ponies at the table a glass filled with apple cider topped with whipped cream, a cherry on top, and a straw in each glass. Medley went to wait on other customers while the Crusaders each took a sip of their drinks.

"This is the best drink I've ever had," Apple Bloom said. "Applejack would love this."

"Maybe you can convince her to come back here with you. I'm sure she'd be able to find something to do in town, or go check out some of the farms around here," Rainbow Dash suggested.

"What is this cherry coated with? It tastes so sweet," Scootaloo asked.

"Cane sugar," Babs said. "At least, that's my guess."

"Not a bad guess, and completely right," Medley said, coming up to them with a tray with their breakfast on it.

She placed a rectangular dish containing a mixture of vegetables and cheese in front of Rainbow Dash and each of the Crusaders. The fillies were hungry and ate their breakfast quickly. Once they were finished eating they left the cafe and headed south. The aquarium was on the southeast side of town, about four blocks away.

********************************

Diamond Tiara and her father, Filthy Rich, were sitting on their living room sofa engaged in a discussion neither really wanted to have. Filthy Rich was explaining the process of Diamond Tiara's upcoming court appearance but was interrupted by a knock on the door. He answered the door to find a courier standing on his front porch.

"Excuse me, sir. I have an important message for you. I was told to wait for your reply."

The courier handed a letter to Filthy Rich. Filthy Rich opened the letter, read it, and frowned.

"Are they serious?"

"They sounded pretty serious, sir. They insist that you give me your response so I can go back and tell them."

"This matter will require my personal attention," Filthy Rich replied. "I will give them my response. In person."

"I will tell them to expect your arrival, sir." After the courier left, Filthy Rich closed the door and went back to the couch.

"Idiots."

"What's wrong, daddy?"

"I have to go to Canterlot. Apparently one of my partners lied to one of my customers. The board fired the partner, but I still have to make things right with our customer. They're our biggest client and we can't afford for them to take their business elsewhere."

"We're going to Canterlot?"

"I am," Filthy Rich corrected his daughter. "I expect when I get there I'll be in business meetings well into the night, trying to straighten this mess out."

"Awww come on, let me go with you. I'll stay out of trouble, I promise," Diamond Tiara begged.

"Sorry, not this trip. I just can't watch you and take care of this problem at the same time. Thing is, I can't leave you here alone either. What am I going to do with you while I'm gone?" Filthy Rich asked.

"Why can't you leave me here alone? I can take care of myself."

"That trouble with those fillies makes me wonder about that," Filthy Rich said. "I think it would be better if we got you a fillysitter."

"A fillysitter? You've got to be kidding! I'm not five."

"When you start acting more responsibly, I’ll be able to leave you here alone. Right now, I don’t want to take the chance that either you’ll do something to cause more trouble, or those fillies you had thrown in jail will retaliate. I don't want either one to happen, so you get a fillysitter. The only question is who is available on such short notice?"

"I don't know of any that I'd want to go to," Diamond Tiara said, hoping that would convince her father to take her with him.

"I think I know of one: Fluttershy."

"You don't mean that crazy animal hoarder, do you?"

"She's one of the kindest ponies in Ponyville. I'm sure she'd take good care of you for the day and let you spend the night at her cottage while I'm away."

"I still don't get why I can't just come with you," Diamond Tiara replied bitterly.

"Look, this isn't open for discussion anymore. You're staying with a fillysitter for today and tonight, and that's final. Now, go get your schoolbooks. I want you to study while you're there, so you can keep up with your class," Filthy Rich replied, trying his hardest to keep calm.

Diamond Tiara retrieved her textbooks from her bedroom, as well as a few other items she thought she might need and returned to the living room. Meanwhile her father was packing a travel bag with some clothes for his business trip. He grabbed the bag and slung it over his back, and then grabbed his briefcase. Diamond Tiara opened the door for her father, and once he was outside she quickly locked it behind them. After what happened to Silver Spoon’s stuffed animals, there was no way she was going to take any chances.

They walked from the center of town northwest toward Fluttershy's cottage. Ten minutes later they arrived at their destination. Filthy Rich knocked gently on the door with his hoof. For a few moments there was silence, and Diamond Tiara hoped with each passing second that Fluttershy wasn't home.

"Coming!" Fluttershy called out.

Her hopes shattered, Diamond Tiara's aggravation only grew when it took almost two minutes for yellow pegasus to open her front door.

"Hello?" Fluttershy hid behind her hair.

"Miss Fluttershy, my name is Filthy Rich. This is my daughter Diamond Tiara. I was wondering if you were available to fillysit today and tonight."

"Gee, I don't know. I'm working on rebuilding my chicken coop today."

"See? She's too busy," Diamond Tiara said.

"Maybe Diamond Tiara can help you," Filthy Rich replied. He was used to overcoming objections in his line of work.

"I suppose I could use the help," Fluttershy finally said. "Okay, I'll watch Diamond Tiara. Are you expecting to stop by tonight or tomorrow to pick her up, or should I bring her home?"

"I'll be back from Canterlot late tonight. I don't know exactly what time that will be, so if it's not too much trouble can she spend the night here? I'll come by in the morning and pick her up."

"Sure she can spend the night. I'll take good care of her, I promise."

"What is the going rate for a fillysitter?" Filthy Rich asked.

"It's five bits per hour," Fluttershy replied. "Since she's going to be here the whole day, let's call it 60 bits for the whole day."

Filthy Rich opened his saddlebag and removed a small bag.

"There's a hundred bits in it. Keep the change."

"Thank you. You’re very generous."

"Sorry I can't talk, but it's urgent that I catch the next train to Canterlot. Thank you, Fluttershy. Diamond Tiara, I love you," Filthy Rich said, giving Diamond Tiara a hug. She hugged him back and watched as he walked down the path away from Fluttershy's cottage.

"So, what would you like to do? I see you've got some books with you."

"My dad wants me to study."

"Might I suggest a nice quiet spot to study in? Underneath that tree is a small bench," Fluttershy said, pointing to a pine tree. "There's plenty of shade under the tree, and you can always move the bench if you want to be in the sunlight or have the tree block the breeze. It's one of my favorite spots."

"That'll be fine."

The shy pegasus watched as Diamond Tiara took her saddlebag and sat down under the tree Fluttershy had indicated and started to read one of her books. Fluttershy walked over to her chicken coop and continued to work on rebuilding it.

**********************************

When Rainbow Dash and the Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived at the aquarium they found themselves in a short line. Despite Dash's insistance on sleeping in, they had somehow managed to arrive before it got crowded and the line moved quickly. Rainbow Dash bought five tickets and the group continued past the ticket booth. The first stop in their visit was to an exhibit showing the coral reefs that could be found a few miles out to sea. There were over five hundred different types of sea creatures swimming around in the exhibit, from small fish and turtles to sea snakes and jellyfish.

"Did you see the size of that sea turtle? That thing is huge!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Look at the colors of those fish," Sweetie Belle added. "I've got get Rarity to come see this."

"Yeah right. Rarity in an aquarium. That'll be the day," Rainbow Dash said.

“And why not?” Sweetie Belle reeled on Rainbow Dash.

“Uh, because, you know, all these slimy fish are uncouth.”

“Rarity would find these fish beautiful and inspirational. I can just hear my sister right now. ‘Why this is a striking color combination! Why did I never think of it?’ ‘Look at how that turtle’s flipper ripples the water. If only I could make ruffles that fluttered in the wind like that. Why that’s it, what a darling idea!’”

Rainbow Dash stared at the white unicorn filly, “Yeah, that’s your sister all right. You even got the accent right.”

“I get a lot of practice,” Sweetie Belle smiled and joined the other three Crusaders.

The next exhibit they went to was showing the rain forests well to the south of Equestria, past the griffon territory. There were toucans, parakeets, frogs, sloths, anteaters and several dozen other types of creatures in the exhibits. Rainbow Dash looked at them, trying her best to fake interest. Sweetie Belle and the other Crusaders looked at each of the exhibits with genuine interest and they tried to name as many of the animals as they could.

They moved on to the next exhibit that showed some of the more dangerous sea creatures, including sandbar sharks, nurse sharks, tiger sharks, sawfish, and electric eels. After a few minutes of standing still and gawking at the sharks Rainbow Dash grew bored and started pacing around the exhibit, wishing there wasn’t a ‘no flying’ policy in place. Knowing full well that the fillies would be most enthralled with the sharks she curled up on a handy bench and decided to take a quick nap.

“Just remember, if we ever have to send somepony to ‘sleep with the fishes’ these are the kind we’re referring to,” Babs admired the massive sharks.

“Why would we do that?”

“Well, Sweetie Belle, not every pony is as nice as the ones you’re used to in Ponyville. There are plenty of unscrupulous ponies out there that are even more ruthless and predatory than these sharks. And the only way to deal with them is to silence them. Permanently. Sharks don’t leave evidence. Not only that, it’s good for the environment. That way we’re not taking up valuable room in the landfill and we’re providing valuable nourishment to hungry sharks.”

“Couldn’t they just swim away?” asked Scootaloo.

“Not if they’re wearing concrete horseshoes.”

“Why would they wear something silly like that?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Because we put them on the pony before throwing him into the ocean,” said Sweetie Belle slowly, as she put the pieces together.

“Very good! You’re catching on,” replied Babs.

“But how do we get them to the ocean? It’s more than fifty miles from Ponyville to the coast,” said Apple Bloom.

“Stop thinking small. Do you really want to live in Ponyville for the rest of your life?”

“Well, I was kinda plannin’ on it. I mean the farm’s there, and my big sister is there. And Big Macintosh and Granny Smith too!”

“Stop thinking so small. If we play our cards right we could take over Equestria.”

“But the farm?”

”You’ll have so much money you can afford to pay for ponies to buck apples and then your siblings won’t have to break their backs doing all that work.”

“That sounds pretty good,” Apple Bloom agreed.

After a few more minutes of watching the graceful movements of the deadly predators, the Crusaders decided that they’d rather be riding the roller coasters. Much to their dismay Rainbow Dash was out like a light again.

“Does she ever do anything aside from sleep?” Babs asked.

“Absolutely!” Scootaloo defended her new big sister. “She performs heroic feats and awesomely radical stunts. And sometimes she even performs radically awesome stunts. It takes a lot of energy to do all that so she has to rest frequently.”

“Yeah, well, watching her sleep is boring. Come on, I know just how to wake her up,” Babs grinned. She whispered her plan to the other fillies and they took their places.

Sweetie Belle ran past the sleeping pegasus screaming at the top of her lungs, “Run! They’re loose!”

“Land sharks! Oh no! They got that pony over there!” Apple Bloom added some screams to the end.

Rainbow Dash bolted awake and took to the air, “Land sharks? Where? I’ll save you!” She glanced around the room and saw the four Cutie Mark Crusaders giggling like crazy.

“Gotcha, sis.”

“Memo to self – do not fall asleep around the fillies again.”

The Crusaders resumed laughing while Rainbow Dash just muttered under her breath.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?” Rainbow Dash turned to face the pony that had addressed her.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Oh, let me guess. This is another prank from the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Well I’m not falling for it.”

“Uh, Rainbow Dash…”

“Not now, Scootaloo. I’m not falling for another one of your tricks.”

“This isn’t one of our tricks. He really is with the aquarium’s security.”

“Oh. Well, in that case, we’ll be going now.”

“Wise idea. And don’t come back now, y’hear?”

With their abbreviated tour of the exhibit concluded, Rainbow Dash stretched her wings and looked at the Crusaders, "So who’s ready to hit the amusement park?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Cutie Mark Crusader roller coaster riders, yay," replied the four fillies in unison.

Rainbow Dash’s ears were ringing from their outburst. Fortunately her eyes were still working fine and she saw the door to the aquarium open and the security guard glaring at them once more, “Right, so all of you then. Okay, let’s go. Preferably now, before that security pony decides to detain us.”

*********************************

Minty walked into the police station Saturday morning. She had spent all day and most of the evening at the school, trying to figure out how to repair the damage that was done. She was physically exhausted but she had to check in before she went back to the school. When she walked into her office she saw a note on her desk.

Minty,

Come to my office at your earliest opportunity.

Paradise

Minty looked at the note curiously, then crumpled it up and discarded it in a trash bin as she walked out of her office and down the dimly lit hall until she came Paradise's office. She knocked on the door.

"Come in," Paradise called out.

"Officer Minty reporting as ordered." Minty saluted as she opened the door and stepped into the room.

"Please close the door."

Minty closed the door and sat down at the desk in front of Paradise.

"Cheerilee came to visit me yesterday. She seemed very upset about the way things have been going at the school. She said you’ve caused a tremendous amount of property damage. She claims the cause of the damage was you removing those cameras you put up."

"I was trying to do a good job patching up the holes I drilled for the cameras. Things may have gotten a little out of hoof."

"Okay, why did you choose to install those cameras in the first place?" Paradise asked.

"I was hoping to catch somepony putting stuffed animal heads into Silver Spoon's locker. Then we'd have our culprit and this case would be solved."

"Although that’s an interesting idea to have video cameras set up to watch the school, the problem is this crime already occurred."

"That's exactly what Cheerilee said to me yesterday."

"Has there been any progress in this case since you went to the school?" Paradise asked.

"I've talked to the staff and students at the school. Silver Spoon is an average student with exactly one close friend: Diamond Tiara. She has a reputation of being a snobbish filly with the other students."

"Do you have any leads?" Paradise asked.

"No. Whichever pony did this left no evidence behind that I could find."

Paradise looked at Minty, then at the floor.

"Cheerilee wants you replaced as the officer in charge of this case. She's given me a detailed report about the things you've done while investigating this case. Starting with your random theory about drug runners to spending several hours on the playground, then installing cameras all over the school, and finally nearly destroying the entire building while trying to remove them. Not only has she demanded I remove you from this case, she’s requested that I formally reprimand you as well."

"But...I..." Minty stammered, looking visibly shaken. "I'm trying my best, honest I am. What more can I do?"

"For the time being I think it would be best if you avoid going anywhere near Ponyville Elementary. At least until we get the immediate problem squared up."

"Oh come on! Surely you don't mean the playground, too? It's where I do my best thinking. Besides it has the best swings and slide and merry-go-round in all of Ponyville."

"Especially the playground. That was one thing Cheerilee was very insistent on."

"Can we at least install a playground here?" Minty asked.

Paradise rolled her eyes, "The Mayor said she was having a new playground installed in a park near the south side of Ponyville. I doubt she'd let us put one here, even if we had room. Which we don't. I’d like to remind you that this is a police station, and we’re here to protect and serve, not play and ignore."

"That sucks," Minty replied sadly. "And so does this. I'm doing my best to solve this case, and Miss Cheerilee has been so critical of me ever since I set foot in that school. I don't know what else is expected of me. My best is all I can do."

"I know, Minty. That's why this decision was hard for me to make," Paradise said softly.

"So you’ve already made your decision," Minty replied, tears dripping down her face.

"I'm not going to remove you from this case, Minty. When I put you on this case I believed you were the right pony for the job. Despite everything that has happened, I still believe that. However, because you violated policies regarding destruction of public property by a civil servant, I really do have to punish you."

"What policies?" Minty asked, confused.

"They’re outlined in the books I gave you when you were hired," Paradise replied. "You have to do things by the book, or more problems will occur."

"Ugh, by the books? That requires reading," Minty replied. "Boooooooring!"

"Be that as it may, had you read and followed those policies, this wouldn't have happened," Paradise replied. "So here's what we're going to do about this. I’m going to place you on unpaid administrative leave. Basically it means you're suspended until you pass the test."

"Test?" Minty asked.

"Cheerilee wanted you to be fired outright for the damage you caused to the school. I convinced her that you’re a valuable pony on the police force, and gave her examples of how you've helped us maintain law and order in Ponyville since you joined us. She threatened to go over my head and file a formal complaint with the District Attorney’s office about this if I don't do something. So I'm going to give you time to review the books that you were supposed to read, and give you a test on them. When you pass I can get them off your back."

"And if I fail?" Minty asked.

"Minty, you need to pass this test. I've always had your back, Minty. From the day you were just a recruit fresh out of training I've helped you. This is one of those times you need to help me help you. If you don't pass this test, I can't protect you. Please, take the time. Study hard. And don't worry about the damage to the school – that’s no longer your concern. I've hired a farm pony named Applejack and her brother Big Macintosh to repair the school. All you need to focus on is passing this test. Until you do, you're dismissed."

“It’s an open book test, right?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“Dismissed, Minty.”

Minty struggled to keep her composure as she stood up. She turned and walked out of the office, carefully closing the door behind her. She walked into her office and picked up her saddlebag. She slung it over her back and turned off the light. She left her office and walked past Sweet Stuff, who was sitting at the receptionist desk.

"Minty, are you okay? Where are you going?"

"Home," Minty replied sadly. "I'm going home."

"Home?" Sweet Stuff asked, confused. "Why?"

"I don't want to talk about it," the green mare replied bitterly.

Minty pushed both doors open at once and bucked them closed so hard behind her that the window on each door spiderwebbed. "I bet that's coming out of my next paycheck. Oh wait! I'm on unpaid leave. Good luck collecting money from me to replace them!" She shook her right hoof at the police station behind her and sighed. She had no idea what to do now that she was technically unemployed.

Paradise poked her head out of her office. "What was that?"

"DJ Pon3 trying out a new stereo across the street. Apparently the volume goes all the way up to eleven," Sweet Stuff lied to protect her friend.

"Well what are you waiting for? Go arrest her for disturbing the peace."

"I already ordered her to cease and desist. Gave her a warning. I didn't notice the windows were cracked until I got back inside or I would have written her up."

"Somepony has to pay for those windows."

"Aren't we insured, chief?"

"Well, yeah, but I hate making a claim. It raises our rates."

"We could blame it on a weak and poorly-executed escape attempt from the Great and Powerful Trixie?" Sweet Stuff suggested.

"As tempting as that thought is, she was released last night, after your shift ended. Not to mention that it would be both illegal and unethical."

"But immensely satisfying."

"Only until you remember that it would mean her sentence would be extended and she'd be here longer. You know what? I think I'll just make the claim. At least Minty didn't do it. Good thing, too, because our insurance policy no longer covers acts of Minty..."

"Why not?"

"Something about replacing a schoolhouse," Paradise sighed as she closed the door to her office. That was the other reason Minty had to go – the department's insurance company threatened to drop them if Minty remained on the force. And like it or not, there was no way they could operate without insurance. But Paradise liked Minty, so she devised the test as the nicest way to get rid of her. She knew there was no way the green mare would ever be able to pass it.

Minty turned and walked slowly away from the station. Because it was nearly eleven in the morning the stores were open and the streets were full of ponies. She walked toward her home, thinking about the events of the past week. She felt her heart sink the more she thought about it.

Minty loved to sing and thought maybe a song would lift her spirits. She turned and walked down an alley between stores, and when she thought she was alone she sang out loud.

I may not be the smartest mare
But I sure do try my best
Now I have to pass this test
To keep my job, it’s just not fair

My whole career rests on this one thing
I can't focus, my nerves are frayed
I'll lose my job without some aid,
The tears have come, how they sting

I've never been this down and out
I feel so alone without my friends
Pain keeps coming, it never ends
Worst of all I'm full of doubt

Minty kicked a rock and was surprised to hear a familiar voice add a verse to her tune

But you're not alone
When your head aches
And your heart breaks
Even when you moan and groan

Why so blue instead of green?
Pinkie Pie is that you?
Well it's sure not Ditzy Doo!
Oh Pinkie, they were so mean!

That's what made my smile fall
It's really hard to beam
When all they do is scream
I just can't give it my all

If sadness you wish to break
I'll give you a hint-y
Hey! Not much rhymes with Minty!
Laughter's what it's gonna take

So you’ve got to smile and laugh today
Who knows what tomorrow might bring
But today we have songs to sing
So come on, let's go play!

"Okay!" Minty agreed, giggling. She couldn't help it; Pinkie's smile was contagious.

"Now then, let's go to the playground and play on the swings and slide, and you can tell me all about what's bothering you," Pinkie Pie said.

"Oh, I don't think that's a good idea. Miss Cheerilee doesn't want me anywhere near the school."

"That won't be a problem. There's a park on the south side of town. They put up a brand new slide there last week. The swings are pretty good, too," Pinkie Pie said.

Pinkie Pie and Minty started walking out of the alley and headed toward the park.

"Oh Pinkie, it was awful! They were so mean!"

"Who was mean? I'll give them a piece of my mind! Nopony is mean to my friends! Nopony!" Pinkie shouted, her voice loud enough to put Princess Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice to shame.

"Miss Cheerilee. She told Paradise about several theories I have about what happened to Silver Spoon. Apparently she was not impressed by any of them. She also told her that I destroyed the school. Miss Cheerilee wants me kicked off the case, and reprimanded too. She told Paradise that if Paradise didn't reprimand me, she'd go over her head to Shining Armor."

"What?!" Pinkie shouted, shocked. "She wants you kicked off the case and reprimanded? That's totally not fair!"

"It gets worse."

"How could that get worse?" Pinkie asked, regretting it the moment she did.

"Paradise suspended me from the force and then told me that I have to pass a test on the books on policy and procedures I was given when I got this job. If I don't pass...she made it sound like I would lose my job," the mint green mare said, staring at the ground.

Pinkie gave her a hug, "Don't you worry your pretty little pink mane about that. I know just what to do."

"You do?" Minty asked.

"My friend Twilight Sparkle is one of the smartest ponies I know. She's always reading books, and taking tests. Princess Celestia is always giving her tests and Twilight is always passing them. If anypony can help you it's her."

"Do you think she could take the test for me?"

"No, but I know you're nervous about taking tests. I'm the same way." Pinkie replied. "I don't like having to study for them because the books are usually booooooring!"

"That's exactly what I said."

"But that's all Twilight does is read and study. She even studies for fun. For fun! Can you believe that?”

Minty shuddered as she shook her head. That seemed absolutely preposterous to her. Who could possibly find studying more fun than sliding and swinging on the playground?

“She might be able to give you pointers on how to study effectively. Maybe she can even quiz you on the books, to make sure you're ready for the test."

"You think she'd do that for me?"

"Of course! Twilight’s the kind of pony who'd do it for anypony. All we’ve gotta do is ask."

"Would you mind going with me when I ask her?"

"Sure I'll go with you!" Pinkie replied, giving Minty another hug. "Anything for a friend."

"Then let's go to the park and play for awhile. Right now I wanna relax before I start thinking about this mess again," Minty replied, and the two friends trotted off toward the park.

********************

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" The Crusaders screamed as the roller coaster reached the top and began its rapid descent back down. Just before it reached the ground it banked to the left and began a hard climb again.

When the roller coaster finally came to a stop the Crusaders and Rainbow Dash climbed out of it.

"That was the best ride ever!" Babs exclaimed.

"Yeah right squirt, I saw how terrified you were on that last barrel roll," Rainbow Dash said, grinning.

"Don't think I didn't see how green your face was when we reached the first spiral," Babs replied.

"My face wasn't green," Rainbow Dash said sharply.

"Whatever you say," Sweetie Belle replied. "But it sure wasn’t your normal light blue either."

"Do we have time to go on another ride?" Scootaloo asked.

Rainbow Dash looked around and spotted a clock on one of the concession stands.

"I don't think so. There's going to be a line at the Wonderbolts show. I know we already have our tickets, but we don't want to be late," Rainbow Dash replied.

"Awww," the Crusaders whined in unison.

"I know, but the Wonderbolts are the reason we came here after all. If there's time later before we catch the train home we can come back for one more ride."

"Can we hit the concession stand? I've got to get some water," Sweetie Belle asked.

"Sure thing. I could use a drink myself," Rainbow Dash replied.

The prismatic pegasus led the Crusaders to the nearest concession stand and bought them all some water. They drank it as they left the amusement park, walking steadily to the racetrack on the east side of town. When they got to the track they saw a long line of ponies waiting to be let in. There were nearly one hundred ponies in the line and it continued to grow as they watched.

"Look at this crowd!" Rainbow Dash said. "Good thing we've already got our tickets or we'd never get in."

"Speaking of which, how are we going to get in? By the time we get to the front of the line the show will have started," Babs pointed out.

"There's a separate line for VIP's over here," Rainbow Dash said. "That's where we'll enter."

"What's VIP stand for, anyway?" asked Scootaloo.

"Very Important Pony," Rainbow Dash replied.

The group walked over to another line that was much shorter. When they got to the front Rainbow Dash handed a pony their tickets.

"Welcome to the Wonderbolts show," an usher said. "I'll take you to your seats."

"That's okay, we can find our way," Rainbow Dash replied.

"It's my job to show VIPs where their seats are. Please let me do it."

"All right," Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed.

The group followed the usher to their front row seats and sat down just in time to see the Wonderbolts do a flyby. The Wonderbolts climbed high into the air and using their signature smoke trails they wrote "Wonderbolts" in the sky. Then they dove and buzzed the crowd, passing so close to Rainbow Dash she could feel the air being displaced as they flew over her head. The entire audience was on their hooves, cheering at the top of their lungs.

The Wonderbolts performed their show pulling off stunts that were dazzling and breathtaking, leaving the crowd hoarse from all the cheering. Spitfire unveiled a new move for this show – she created a giant ring of fire midair and each of the other Wonderbolts immediately passed through it from a different direction.

Other than that one new trick, it was the same old stunts Rainbow Dash had seeen countless times before and spent years memorizing and practicing. But no matter how many times she saw them perform, she never grew tired of it. And she knew the fillies had never seen one of their shows before, so she was happy to explain the intricacies of each of their stunts for an all too willing audience.

Unfortunately, it was over far too soon, and even with the crowd shouting and stomping their feet in appreciation, there was only one encore. After the show was completed the crowd began to leave the track. Rainbow Dash led the Crusaders onto the field and right up to the Wonderbolts.

"Oh hi Rainbow Dash," Spitfire said, watching the rainbow colored mare walking toward her. "How are you?"

"Doing good," Rainbow Dash replied. "I'd like to introduce you to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. This is my sister, Scootaloo. And this is Babs Seed, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle."

"Greetings to all of you. I'm Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts. This is Soarin’, and this is High Winds. They're my lieutenants," Spitfire said, going around and introducing them to all of the Wonderbolts.

"Those were some pretty slick moves you were doing up there," Scootaloo said.

"Glad you liked them. We've spent hundreds of hours practicing them," Soarin’ replied. "That's what makes you get good at something. Practice, practice, practice."

"So what do I have to do to get to be a Wonderbolt?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I've filled out application after application to join."

"It takes more than just applications, Rainbow Dash," Spitfire said. "We have an academy we're setting up. We've already got your application, and it'll be one of the first ones we process when we get the academy going. We'll see how you do there. Then we'll talk about your future."

"You know I'm going to blow away the competition," Rainbow Dash rubbed her chest.

"I've heard that a lot, from far more ponies than you. The only way to know for sure is to see how you do in the competition," Soarin’ said.

The Crusaders listened while Rainbow Dash talked to Spitfire and Soarin’, but were far more interested in finding out where High Winds had disappeared to. They spotted her sitting on a bench, putting her flight suit away. The Crusaders walked over to her and sat down on either side of her.

"That was a great show you Wonderbolts put on. I really liked the part where you buzzed past Rainbow Dash," Babs said.

"Thank you very much."

"If you don't mind me asking, how much does a Wonderbolt make per show? I'm considering my career options and I'm just wondering if it's about the money or the thrills," Scootaloo asked.

"Mostly it's about entertainment. The pay is decent, but not great."

"If you had a way to make more money per show, would you be interested in doing it?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Of course, but there isn't one. Spitfire will give us a yearly raise, but beyond that the pay is the same."

"We're not talking about her offering you money. We're talking about a business deal between us," Babs said.

"A business deal? But you're just fillies," High Winds said. "What kind of business deal could you possibly have to offer me?"

"We're interested in helping you make money off your races. All we need to know is what position you're going to finish in. We'll place all kinds of bets on you finishing in that position. You finish in the position you tell us you'll finish in, and we'll give you a cut," Babs said.

"You're talking about fixing a race," High Winds replied.

"Exactly. Do you want in?"

"I dont know," High Winds replied. "Spitfire will be really angry if she finds out about any of this."

"So will Rainbow Dash. That's why it's in our best interests to keep our mouths shut about it and do what we've gotta do," Babs replied.

"How much of a cut are we talking about?" High Winds asked.

"Twenty percent," Babs replied.

"Forget it. I'm not risking my job for twenty percent," High Winds replied. "Eighty percent is a much nicer number."

"Only in your dreams," Babs replied flatly. "That doesn't make it worth our effort. Forty percent."

"Sixty percent." High Winds countered.

"Fifty percent." Babs said.

"I can live with that," High Winds replied. "Now, exactly how are you planning on getting me my cut?"

"Figured we could send it to you at whatever your address is," Sweetie Belle replied.

"That might cause problems." High Winds replied. "Sending money can't be done without me signing for it when it arrives. Should anyone start seeing money being sent to me, that could cause a lot of questions to be asked and I don't think any of us wants that to happen."

"Agreed. So what do you suggest?" Apple Bloom asked.

"The way our schedule works is we have three weeks on and one week off every month. That way we can get a break in between shows and be able to spend time with friends and family. During that week we're free to do whatever we want, wherever we want. Where exactly do you fillies live?"

"Ponyville," Scootaloo replied.

"I'm not very familiar with that town, honestly. I've only been there once. Is there someplace on the edge of town where we could meet? Somewhere isolated, where no other ponies will be?"

"I know a spot." Apple Bloom said. She gave directions to Sweet Apple Acres and to where they could meet on the farm and assured the pegasus that nopony would see them.

"Perfect. I shall meet you on the last day of the month at midnight at that spot. Don't be late. Oh, and I'm trusting you fillies to make this worth my time. If I find out that this isn't worth the effort I'm putting forth, meaning you aren't making enough money to make it worth this, then the deal is off."

"Don't worry about that. We're not going to go through all this just to not make money," Scootaloo said.

"When and where is your next race?" Babs asked.

"Two days from now in Fillydelphia."

"There's only four of you racing in that race, right?" Babs asked.

"Five." High Winds replied. She gave a list of all the Wonderbolts participating in her next race.

"Think you can take third place?" Babs asked.

High Winds thought about it for a minute before she replied.

"I can take third. I'll make sure it's competitive, so it doesn't look like I'm throwing the race," High Winds said.

"Good. We'll place a lot of bets on you coming in third. Most ponies would expect you to place in the top two, so they'd think us crazy for betting on a third place finish. That's how we'll get them," Babs said.

"You make it sound so easy," High Winds replied.

"Trust me. This'll totally be worth your while," Babs grinned.

"All right I'm yours. Third place in my next race."

High Winds and the Crusaders discussed the next two races after that one and determined where High Winds could finish that wouldn't draw attention to herself and would let the Crusaders bet like crazy on her. They quickly changed the subject when they saw Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Soarin’ walking toward them.

"We're about to go get some lunch," Spitfire said.

"I'm ready," High Winds replied, zipping her saddlebag closed and slinging it on her back.

"So are we," Scootaloo said. "We were just asking High Winds what it's like to be a Wonderbolt."

"You can continue your conversation at the restaurant," Rainbow Dash said. "I'm pretty sure the Wonderbolts would love to get some food after a good show like that."

********************************

Diamond Tiara read her schoolbooks slowly. She was bored, and desperately wanted something else to do, but from what she saw Fluttershy was completely surrounded by animals of all sizes and types. She didn't expect to find much in the way of entertainment around here, so she did the only thing she could think to do: read her schoolbooks and do her homework.

"Thank you Angel, how did you know I was getting thirsty?"

Diamond Tiara looked up and saw Angel Bunny holding a cup of water for Fluttershy. After the pink-maned pegasus took the water Angel Bunny moved the step stool she was using over so she could finish building the chicken coop. When Fluttershy was on the far side of the chicken coop, Diamond Tiara set her textbook down on the ground and approached Angel Bunny, who looked at her questioningly.

"Hey Angel Bunny, have you got a minute?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel stamped his foot impatiently.

"You're very helpful to Fluttershy. How'd you like to be helpful to me, too?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel shook his head enthusiastically no and stuck his tongue out at the filly.

"I can make it worth your while," Diamond Tiara said quietly.

Angel Bunny pointed back to the tree where Diamond Tiara had been sitting and ran over to it. He tapped his foot impatiently until Diamond Tiara took the hint and came over to him.

"You wanted to make sure Fluttershy didn't overhear us, is that it?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel Bunny nodded his head in approval.

"I want your help in taking care of a few problems I have. Starting with Silver Spoon. Do you know who that filly is?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel shook his head no. Diamond Tiara pulled out a picture of her from her saddlebag and showed it to Angel Bunny.

"I want you to make her suffer. There can't be anything that points back to me or I'd do it myself."

Angel looked confused for a minute, then his face lit up when he realized what it was that the little pony wanted. He took the picture of Silver Spoon and showed it to Diamond Tiara, then tore it in half.

"No, don't kill her," Diamond Tiara said sternly. "Stop short of killing her. Make it painful, but not lethal."

Angel winked at Diamond Tiara.

"Now then, what can I give you in return?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Oh, I know! I've been saving this cupcake for a special occasion. Angel Bunny, it's yours."

Diamond Tiara pulled a cupcake out of her saddlebag and gave it to the white bunny. He sniffed it and his face turned green. He immediately shoved it in Diamond Tiara's face.

"How dare you!" Diamond Tiara said angrily. "When I get my hooves on you..."

Angel Bunny smiled and picked up the torn pieces of Silver Spoon and slowly walked toward Fluttershy.

"Wait. What will it take for you to do it?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel Bunny ran inside the cottage and returned a few moments later with a magazine. He opened it and showed Diamond Tiara a page with a number circled on it.

"You want me to order this for you?" Diamond Tiara asked, looking at the page, confused.

Angel Bunny rolled his eyes, slapped Diamond Tiara with the magazine and pointed at the circled number.

"Oh, I get it," Diamond Tiara said. "You want me to pay you.....that much?!"

Angel Bunny nodded in agreement.

"That's my allowance for the whole month! I won't do it."

Angel Bunny looked at Diamond Tiara with a frown on his face. He stood there looking at her for a few moments.

"I said no. That price is much too high. I'll pay you half."

Angel Bunny shook his head in disagreement. He pointed at Diamond Tiara, then at the number circled on the magazine page. A few seconds later he pointed at himself, the torn picture of Silver Spoon, then at Fluttershy.

"If I don't pay you that much you're going to tell Fluttershy aren't you?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel Bunny smiled and nodded yes.

"I don't have that many bits on me. I’ll get them though and bring them by after I go home tomorrow. First I want you to take care of Silver Spoon. Then you get paid."

Angel Bunny shook his head no and pointed at the number again.

"Fine. I'll pay you first. But you better live up to your end of this. Or I'm gonna drag you into the Everfree Forest and tie you to a tree. See how long you survive before one of the timber wolves come for you."

Angel Bunny nodded. He picked up the magazine and the torn pieces of the picture and hopped into the cottage.

"Aren’t you going to give me my picture back?" Diamond Tiara asked.

Angel Bunny shook his head no.

"Oh, one more thing. Make it look like an accident."

Angel tapped his paw on his nose and grinned at Diamond Tiara.

Author's Notes:

Baythoven = Beethoven

Rosa Ponyselle = Rosa Ponselle.