//------------------------------//
// The Diamond in the Rough 
// Story: The Element of Courage 
// by Banshee531 
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On the streets of Canterlot, most would consider it to be a quiet city at the end of the day. The high class ponies of the city were busy living their luxurious lives when something caught their ears. They turned their heads as the saw a screaming pony run down the streets.

"Get back here you little hoodlum!" said a certain brown Earth Pony, many of them recognising him as the owner of an establishment on Restaurant Row. They soon realised he was chasing a young foal who was quick on his hooves. He was a Pegasus pony with an orange coat and a dark blue coloured mane and tail. On his flank was a blue shield Cutie Mark with a lightning bolt on top. In his mouth was a brown bag, obviously filled with delicious food. "When I get my hooves on you!" the Earth Pony yelled as he continued the chase.

"Assuming you can, slowpoke," the foal mumbled out while trying to make sure not to lose the bag in his mouth. He opened up his wings and began flapping, taking off as he started hovering off the ground. Since he was a colt, his wings couldn't hold him for long, but just enough so that he could escape the Earth Pony as he zipped into an ally way.

When the Earth Pony arrived in that lone alley, he soon realised the young colt was gone. "You got lucky kid! But I'll get you!" he called out encase the young one could hear him, "the next time you steal from me or anyone on Restaurant Row, you'll be sorry! Do you hear me?!" and with that, the large Earth Pony let out a snort and left.

Little did he know, he should have of stuck around a bit longer. As soon as he was gone, a trash can lid slowly ascended as a small foal climbed out. "Another day, another restaurant owner out for my blood. Way to go Flash." the colt said to himself before walking away, his body shaking off the pieces of garbage clinging to his fur.

As the sun started to set for the day, the young Pegasus found himself entering a park which was almost deserted. He walked around knowing the area like it was second nature to him until he came to a particular wooded area that almost nopony went to.

This was where Flash called home. A single oak tree rested next to the many other kinds. In it's branches sat an old tree house that children used to play in before it was abandoned and forgotten. Flash unfurled his wings and flew up inside where a thin scratchy blanket and a lumpy old pillow awaited him. After wrapping himself in the quilt, he took the bag and pulled out his loot. Inside was a small daisy burger and a huff full of hay fries. Not much, but it was all he managed to get before the cook had found him.

As Flash quickly munched the food down, his ears caught the sound of thunder. He sighed, knowing rain was about to come. Rain wasn't uncommon in this area but it was never liked by anypony around here. Especially those who lived in a dilapidated tree house that leaked buckets of water. Finishing his food, Flash wrapped the blanket tight around his body as he put his head down on the old broken pillow. He quickly forced himself to sleep before the rain began.

Maybe tomorrow would be better.